Ryan Willard, LAC

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 Psychotherapy is a pursuit that many individuals and couples turn to not only to decrease symptoms and reduce conflict but also to enhance their self-understanding and overall well-being. Whether facing acute symptoms, relationship conflicts, a traumatic past, stress management issues, or specific life transitions/challenges, the insights, skills, and greater self-awareness gained from psychotherapy can be extremely beneficial. My work involves assisting clients in building and sustaining fulfilling relationships, reducing emotional distress, developing healthy coping mechanisms, fostering self-esteem and a positive self-image, and improving overall life satisfaction.

I utilize a range of evidence-based methods, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness/Mentalization-based practices and the Gottman Method for couple’s therapy. Given the complexity of our lives and the wide variety of reasons for seeking therapy, it is essential that treatment respect each individual's unique history, personality, and circumstances. My knowledge of both depth/insight oriented and skills-based modalities enables me to tailor treatment to each client.

Hometown:

I am a lifelong Arizonan.  I was born and raised in Casa Grande. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Arizona and my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Arizona University. I now live in Gilbert with my wife, three kids, and two dogs.

Why I became a counselor

Prior to becoming a counselor, I had a career in the financial services industry for over a decade. I made a change because I wanted to find a path where I could make a lasting difference in people's lives. Being a counselor has afforded me the opportunity to help people create meaningful changes, and it continues to foster my own personal growth in the process. It is an incredible honor to be able to meet with people who are struggling and play a part in helping them move from struggling, to striving, to thriving.

Things I like to do and my hobbies:

I am an avid reader and love non-fiction. I love what I do and that carries over to the types of things that I read.  I enjoy reading about psychology, counseling, and psychoanalytic theory and still dabble in a little bit of philosophy.  I also very much enjoy cooking, and I spend a lot of time playing games and sports with my children.

Favorite movies and music: I have eclectic tastes in music. I like listening to punk rock, classic rock, and metal along with some hip/hop, rap and country. Though these days I spend a lot of time in the car listening to Raffi or a soundtrack to the latest kids’ movie. My favorite movies are comedies and action movies, especially 80’s/90’s action movies.

Insurances:

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna 

Private Pay - $120/Session 

If you would like to work with Ryan, please mention his name when calling to set up your appointment.

Call 480-906-2240