Rate Shelby Ryan

Hello! My name is Shelby Ryan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. I have enjoyed working in the mental health field for nearly 20 years and have worked in a variety of settings and with a variety of individuals. I began my social work career working with teenagers and children in residential group home settings and in more recent years have been working with adults in community-based mental health settings. The individual seeking counseling is the expert on his/her self and it is important for the individual seeking counseling to feel comfortable with the counselor. I believe and respect this as a collaborative process.

I believe that each individual is equipped with the ability to find solutions to life’s challenges and that sometimes we need to give ourselves permission, a safe space, and “an objective ear” to help sort through what is working for us and what is not working, room to see our strengths, and allow for exploring of different or new perspectives and options. I use several modalities as everyone is unique and we all have different levels of comfort and I will ask for feedback on which are most helpful. Modalities I find effective are client-centered and solution-focused. I often use motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as mindfulness and holistic approaches. In addition to office sessions, telehealth, and traditional talk therapy, I also find experiential learning modalities (learning through doing) very effective, and for the past 14 years have facilitated Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy sessions as an effective approach in personal exploration and growth. In traditional talk therapy and telehealth, I enjoy being a good listener and being supportive in helping you to explore and navigate successful approaches to achieving your goals and a healthier, happier You!

I have experience in helping with a variety of issues that include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem/confidence, grief/loss, women’s issues, interpersonal, trauma/PTSD, stress-related issues, situational and life changes, care-giver fatigue, chronic illness, and transitions.