Ivan Ayala, LMFT, LICSW
Therapist who listens and helps reframe stories
Details
| Name | Ivan Ayala |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LMFT, LICSW |
| Based in | Minnesota |
| Licensed in | Minnesota |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
| Years in practice | 13 |
About Ivan
Ivan Ayala is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota. He brings 13 years of clinical experience and a straightforward, compassionate style to sessions. He speaks English and Spanish and works with people who face stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship and intimacy concerns, and related life changes.
Ivan draws on Narrative Therapy to help people rethink the stories they tell about themselves.
Background and approach
He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered approaches to focus on values, present moment choices, and empathetic listening. In sessions he combines practical skills with gentle questioning to uncover patterns that keep problems cycling. Sessions are conversational and goal oriented.
Ivan helps people notice unhelpful thinking, practice small behavior changes, and try new ways of relating to others. He also addresses parenting challenges, career worries, ADHD-related struggles, and issues connected to family of origin and blended families. He has supported people through trauma, abuse, domestic violence, substance problems, and major losses.
Ivan offers a calm, nonjudgmental presence and works collaboratively to set clear steps forward. His work often highlights values, communication skills, and real-life experiments to test new habits. People can expect an individualized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all method.
He will discuss options and adjust techniques to match goals and comfort. The focus is on practical change, clearer relationships, and stronger coping for everyday life.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues among the things Ivan works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Depression
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- ADHD
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Postpartum depression
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Ivan among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Ivan directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Ivan directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How Narrative and Acceptance Approaches Work Online
Ivan often uses Narrative Therapy to help people rewrite the stories that shape their choices. This approach asks simple questions about how a problem fits into someone's life and looks for alternative narratives that allow different actions and outcomes.He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on clarifying values and taking small, committed steps toward them. ACT helps when worry, avoidance, or difficult feelings get in the way of living the life a person wants.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen, try different techniques, and work with each person to choose methods that match their goals and comfort. Sessions are adjusted as progress and preferences become clearer.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for in-depth conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging let people send updates, try brief coaching moments, or stay connected between longer sessions. These options make it possible to fit therapy into work, parenting, or travel schedules while keeping the focus on practical steps and measurable progress.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Ivan work with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addiction, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, parenting, self-esteem, career worries, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is relational and warm, with a conversational approach that balances listening and practical work. Sessions combine empathy with clear steps to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 13 years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist working with individuals, couples, and families from varied backgrounds.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He holds LMFT and LICSW credentials and practices in Minnesota.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started if I want to work together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Ivan are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Ivan where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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