Ryan Sheehan, LCSW
Guided, narrative-focused therapy for life changes
Details
| Name | Ryan Sheehan |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | Illinois |
| Licensed in | Illinois, Virginia |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 6 |
About Ryan
Ryan Sheehan is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and LGBT concerns. He supports those struggling with self-esteem, motivation, addiction, ADHD, and coping with life changes. He emphasizes practical steps and steady support while clients find their footing.
He works from the view that each person is the expert in their own story. That belief shapes his approach in sessions. He listens for strengths and patterns, then helps clients name what matters and try small changes that fit their life.
Background and approach
Ryan draws on Narrative Therapy alongside approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He uses short exercises, reflective conversation, and real-world experiments so clients can test what helps. Sessions focus on clear goals and usable tools rather than jargon.
He has six years of professional experience and holds LCSW licensure in Illinois and Virginia. Those credentials reflect his clinical background and years of direct practice with adults managing mood, relationship, and identity concerns. Sessions are offered in English and are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.
The format is chosen to match what fits a client’s schedule and comfort. Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling through the Start Therapy workflow.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem among the things Ryan works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Self esteem
- Depression
- ADHD
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Abandonment
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Somatization
- Traumatic brain injury
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Ryan among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Ryan 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 Ryan directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and skills-based approaches work online
Ryan combines Narrative Therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered techniques in ways that adapt well to remote care. Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories people tell about themselves and helps separate problems from identity so new possibilities can emerge. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses values and small actions to reduce avoidance and build a life that matters. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the client leads the pace and topics.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will listen to your goals and try methods that match your needs. You and the therapist will check in and adjust the approach over time so it feels useful and realistic for daily life.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video helps with face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone can fit a busy schedule or lower bandwidth, live chat and text messaging allow brief check-ins or ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or other routines while still working toward clear goals.
Common questions about this listing
What issues does Ryan commonly help with?
He helps people managing stress, anxiety, depression, and LGBT-related concerns, along with self-esteem, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and coping with life changes.
What kind of therapy style can I expect?
He emphasizes a narrative approach that centers your story while using techniques from ACT and CBT to build practical skills and increase clarity about values and goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings six years of professional practice working with adults on mood, identity, and life transition concerns.
What credentials and region apply to his practice?
He holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in Illinois and Virginia, with a practice based in Illinois.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are offered?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and communication preferences.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Ryan 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 Ryan where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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