- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- CBT and DBT skills
About Ryan
Ryan Sheehan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and Virginia with six years of professional experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, addiction, and LGBTQ-related issues. He also supports those coping with major life changes and career or caregiver stress.
Ryan approaches sessions by listening first and helping clients name what matters to them. He treats clients as the experts on their own lives and focuses on practical steps they can try between meetings. Sessions often involve talking through emotions, recognizing patterns, and experimenting with small changes that can ease daily pressure.
His clinical toolkit includes Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered therapy. These methods guide how he identifies unhelpful patterns and supports emotional awareness and behavior changes.
Ryan works with a broad range of concerns that include chronic stress, family of origin issues, attachment difficulties, addiction, chronic illness and disability, and compassion fatigue. He also addresses topics such as abandonment, communication problems, guilt and shame, and intimacy-related issues.
People who start with him can expect straightforward conversation, curiosity about what has or hasn't worked, and collaborative goal-setting. The first meeting focuses on what the client wants to change and what practical next steps feel doable.
Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on identifying and naming emotions that shape how people relate and make choices. It can help when patterns of emotional distance or reactivity make everyday connections feel harder to manage.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches mindful noticing of thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and situations where people want to act more in line with what matters to them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and trying alternative behaviors. It can help with panic, low mood, and skills for managing stress.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss these methods and help decide which fits a client’s goals and preferences. That decision is made together and can change as therapy progresses.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions are arranged. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people prefer audio only when bandwidth is low or they need a quieter setup, while others choose video for face-to-face interaction. Ask about session formats when scheduling to match therapy to everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, and a range of related life challenges.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He listens first and uses practical conversation to name emotions and patterns. Sessions focus on small, testable steps clients can try between meetings.
What experience does he bring?
He has six years of professional practice working with individuals on mood, stress, relationship and identity concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and Virginia and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.