Compassionate care.
Evidence-based treatment.
Lasting change.
The Approach
Therapy that meets you where you are
Therapy offers a supportive place to make sense of loss, move through life transitions, and manage stress, depression, or anxiety—so you can experience more joy and fulfillment. You’re not just a patient here; you’re a partner. Together, we’ll build a genuine, collaborative relationship where you can explore challenges safely and work toward meaningful growth.
My approach blends evidence-based therapies with insights from neuroscience to help you build confidence, regain a sense of control, and create lasting change. Every treatment plan is personalized to support both your emotional well-being and your day-to-day goals, guiding you toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Treatment Areas
-
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, sometimes even paralyzing. Symptoms like restlessness, constant worry (rumination), irritability, and difficulty sleeping can make it hard to manage daily responsibilities. As your therapist, I understand what you’re going through. Using proven, evidence-based approaches I’ll help you address your anxiety with care and expertise.
By acknowledging your worries and considering treatment, you’ve already taken an important first step. Reaching out for help is the next one—toward greater peace of mind and the reassurance that you’re in capable, compassionate hands. In a world full of uncertainty, my practice is here to offer you stability, support, and hope.
-
Difficulties with focus and attention can emerge at any stage of life. In children, these challenges may look like disorganization, forgetfulness, distractibility, or difficulty sustaining focus. For some, hyperactivity may also be present, showing up as restlessness, constant movement, or impulsive behaviors. Adults who were never diagnosed in childhood may continue to experience many of these same struggles, often accompanied by frustration, discouragement, or even symptoms of depression related to productivity challenges.
The important thing to know is that there are effective ways forward. With evidence-based strategies, I can help you develop tools for self-regulation, sustained focus, and improved daily functioning. When appropriate, I collaborate closely with psychiatrists who provide medication management, ensuring a comprehensive treatment approach. Together, we can help you move toward greater clarity, effectiveness, and confidence in your everyday life.
-
Depression can be profoundly disruptive—and it’s also highly treatable. If you’re noticing low energy, feelings of hopelessness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, you may be experiencing depression. In some people—especially in settings where sadness is less openly discussed, such as certain workplaces or among men—irritability or forgetfulness may be more noticeable than low mood.
Using evidence-based approaches (such as CBT, behavioral activation, mindfulness-based strategies, and interpersonal therapy) I create a plan tailored to you. In session, you’ll have a supportive space to talk, learn practical tools, and become an active partner in your own healing. When helpful, I collaborate with trusted psychiatric providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Reaching out for help is a meaningful act of self-care. I’m ready to meet you there and walk with you—step by step—toward relief and renewed wellbeing.
-
Grief isn’t something you “get over,” and it doesn’t follow a timetable. Many people feel pressure to be brave, move on quickly, or return to life as usual—but loss changes us, and the people we love are not meant to be forgotten.
In therapy, we create a steady, compassionate space to process your feelings, honor your relationship with the person/ideology/identity/etc you may have lost, and learn ways to live with the absence. At your pace, we’ll explore what’s hardest right now, identify supports, and gently build routines that make daily life more manageable. When helpful, I draw on evidence-informed approaches—such as meaning-centered work, continuing bonds, mindfulness, and skills for sleep and mood—to support healing.
You won’t be asked to minimize your pain or rush your process. You’ll be met with empathy, expertise, and respect as you come to understand the contours of your grief and care for yourself through it.
-
Change—even positive change—can be challenging. Life is made up of many “mini eras,” and shifting between them isn’t always seamless. You might be adjusting to an empty nest, taking on caregiving for an aging parent (or making decisions about assisted living), blending families, welcoming an adoptive child, navigating a relocation or career shift, or moving through a relationship change.
I provide a steady, compassionate space to process what’s changing and what it means for you and your family. Using evidence-based approaches, I’ll help you clarify values and goals, strengthen communication, set healthy boundaries, and build routines that support your wellbeing.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m here to help you move through transition with clarity, confidence, and care.
-
Humans are wired for connection. Yet modern life—distance from family, demanding schedules, relocation, remote work—can leave many people feeling isolated. Loneliness isn’t a personal failing; it’s a common, understandable response to circumstances.
In therapy, I offer a compassionate space to make sense of what you’re feeling and to rebuild meaningful connection at a pace that feels right. Together, we’ll identify what’s contributing to your isolation and develop practical steps to expand your support system, strengthen communication and social confidence, and engage in activities that align with your values.
I draw on evidence-based approaches—such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), interpersonal therapy, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, and behavioral activation—and can suggest groups or community resources when helpful.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m here to help you move from isolation toward connection, purpose, and a greater sense of belonging.
-
Men experience the full range of emotional and life challenges—but seeking support isn’t always encouraged. Therapy offers a private, judgment-free space to talk things through and build practical skills that make daily life better.
I have deep experience working with men using a collaborative, evidence-based, and results-oriented approach. I tailor care to your goals at home, at work, and in relationships. Common concerns we address include:
Adjusting to parenthood (including feeling sidelined after a new baby)
Balancing career and family responsibilities
Strengthening communication and partnership; becoming a more present spouse/partner and father
Managing stress, anxiety, low mood, irritability, or anger
Enhancing performance and professional growth
Navigating life transitions, identity questions, or health concerns
Reducing unhelpful coping (e.g., alcohol or other substances)
If you’re ready to feel more steady, effective, and connected, I’m here to help—on your terms and at your pace.
-
Creative work demands sustained courage, focus, and imagination—and even the most accomplished minds need support. Whether you’re an author, director, visual artist, or musician, I can help you clear the path to your full creative potential, easing anxiety, quieting overthinking, and strengthening the positive habits that sustain great work.
I also understand the unique pressures that come with public visibility. Careers built on intensive preparation and consistently high performance can be exhausting, leaving you burned out. Added to that, public scrutiny—often intrusive or inaccurate—can disrupt everyday life, challenge personal boundaries, and raise safety concerns. Privacy and discretion are paramount in our work together.
With deep empathy and a grounded, evidence-based approach, I help clients navigate the realities of public life/exposure alongside life’s other challenges. Our work can support stronger relationships, optimized performance, healing from trauma, management of grief and loss, recovery from substance use, and care for anxiety, depression, and related concerns. When appropriate, I collaborate with trusted psychiatrists for comprehensive treatment.
I would be honored to support you as you create, perform, and live with greater clarity, resilience, and peace of mind.
-
Yes, relationships take work—the key is working skillfully. Using research-based approaches I help individuals and couples understand patterns, build on strengths, and address recurring challenges. In a supportive, structured setting, I clarify needs, practice practical tools, and track progress together.
I can help you:
Communicate more effectively and reduce unproductive conflict
Repair after ruptures and rebuild trust and intimacy
Align on values, roles, finances, and parenting
Navigate life transitions (new baby, loss, career changes, or separation) with care
Whether you’re strengthening a good relationship or rebuilding after a difficult period, I’ll meet you where you are and create a plan that fits your goals.
-
Loving and accepting yourself is fundamental to wellbeing—but it isn’t always easy. Many of us offer compassion to others more readily than we extend it to ourselves. In therapy, I help you shift that pattern with practical, evidence-based strategies so you can relate to yourself with more kindness, confidence, and respect.
Together, we will:
Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs and negative self-talk
Practice skills for self-compassion and resilient thinking
Set healthy boundaries and learn how to prioritize your own needs
Build supportive relationships and communities
Strengthen trust in your own perceptions and values
My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in methods like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy. If you’re ready to feel more at home in your own skin, I’m here to help you get there—steadily and at your pace.
-
Stress is part of life, but how we respond to it makes all the difference. I help clients move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to responding with clarity and effectiveness.
In our work together, I’ll teach practical, evidence-based tools to:
Calm the body (breathing, grounding, sleep and nervous-system regulation)
Clarify priorities and set healthy boundaries
Reframe unhelpful thoughts and reduce reactivity
Problem-solve step by step and take values-aligned action
I tailor strategies to your goals and pace, drawing from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness, and acceptance-based approaches. You’ll leave sessions with concrete skills you can use in real time—at work, at home, and in relationships.
If you’re ready to build a more flexible, resilient response to stress, I’m here to help.
-
Struggling with substance use can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore the underlying issues that contribute to unhealthy patterns with alcohol or drugs. Using evidence-based approaches, we’ll work together to understand the role substances play in your life, build healthier coping strategies, and create a sustainable path toward recovery. Whether your goal is reducing use, maintaining sobriety, or simply gaining more control, treatment is tailored to meet you where you are and support your long-term well-being.
-
Trauma can feel overwhelming—frightening, exhausting, and hard to escape. If you’re experiencing intrusive memories, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, or shifts in mood, you are not alone, and help is available.
Using a trauma-informed lens my approach is steady, compassionate, and paced to your needs. Together, we’ll focus on safety and stability first, then gently process what happened so it has less power over your present life.
In our work, I will help you:
Understand how trauma affects your mind and body
Build skills for grounding, sleep, and emotion regulation
Reduce avoidance and reactivity so daily life feels manageable
Process traumatic memories using evidence-based methods (CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), trauma-focused CBT)
Reconnect with your values, relationships, and sense of self
When helpful, I collaborate with trusted medical and psychiatric providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Reaching out is a strong first step. If you’re ready, I’m here to support your healing—at your pace, with respect and care.
Therapy Methods
-
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a well-researched, practical approach that helps people reduce distress and build skills that last. CBT is effective for many concerns—including anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, eating and sleep problems—and it can also support performance in high-demand settings. It works well via telehealth, too.
How CBT works
CBT starts with a simple idea: thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. When unhelpful thinking patterns (sometimes called “cognitive biases” or automatic negative thoughts) take over, mood and behavior are affected. In CBT, we learn to notice those patterns, test them against the facts, and choose more helpful responses.
What we’ll do together
Identify repeating thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going
Learn tools to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts
Practice behavioral strategies (e.g., exposure, activation, skills for sleep and stress)
Build a clear plan, with brief exercises between sessions, so improvements show up in daily life
Why people like CBT
It’s collaborative and structured—we set goals and track progress
It’s skills-focused, so you leave with concrete strategies
It’s often time-limited, with benefits many notice within weeks
-
DBT is a structured therapy that helps people build skills to feel better day-to-day: enjoy life more, stay present, manage emotions, respect themselves, and communicate effectively. Our clinicians are extensively trained in this approach.
Who can it help?
DBT was first developed for borderline personality disorder. Since then, strong research has shown benefits for many concerns, including treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and substance use challenges.
The core idea: balance acceptance and change
In DBT, we work as partners. We practice accepting life’s realities (some discomfort and uncertainty) while also making meaningful changes to improve your life.
Four DBT skill areas (what you’ll learn):
Mindfulness: Be present and less judgmental with yourself and others.
Distress Tolerance: Ride out tough moments safely without making things worse.
Emotion Regulation: Understand, manage, and reduce intense emotions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Ask for what you need, set boundaries, and maintain relationships with respect.
How it works in session
We teach and practice skills together, then you try them between sessions. This real-life practice is where growth sticks.
Flexible delivery
Depending on your needs, we may use a full DBT program or integrate DBT skills into other therapies you’re already doing.
-
I partner with you to explore core human concerns—loss, uncertainty, isolation, authenticity, choice, responsibility, purpose—and the stories you tell yourself about them.
Together we will:
Clarify what matters most to you
Notice and challenge limiting inner narratives
Differentiate your values from outside pressures (family, culture, expectations)
Practice making choices that reflect your beliefs, even when life feels uncertain
What sessions may include
Gentle, focused conversations; values and meaning exercises; mindfulness/acceptance skills; and practical steps to bring insight into daily life. We can integrate other evidence-based methods (e.g., CBT/ACT) as helpful.
Who it can help
People feeling stuck or directionless, navigating major transitions, experiencing grief, burnout, or questions of identity and purpose—and anyone wanting greater authenticity, creativity, and deeper relationships.
The goal
To become an active author of your life: more grounded, more connected, and more yourself—guided by your own “true north,” not by outside demands.
-
Therapy works best when it’s genuine, collaborative, and grounded in respect. I hold each person in unconditional positive regard and aim to understand your experience and worldview. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth; when patterns feel “stuck,” it’s often because the conditions for safe exploration and honest change haven’t been there—yet.
In practice, that means I prioritize the therapeutic relationship itself. I strive to offer three core conditions that support self-actualization:
Genuineness – real, transparent interactions
Unconditional positive regard – stable, nonjudgmental support
Empathy – careful, accurate understanding of your inner world
-
Building on that foundation, I frequently use Interpersonal Therapy to relieve depression and related mood concerns by focusing on your relationships and social roles. IPT is structured, time-limited, and practical. Together, we target one or more of these areas:
Grief: Processing the death of a loved one and rebuilding daily life
Role transitions: Navigating changes like divorce, relocation, retirement, or becoming an empty nester
Role disputes: Reducing conflict and improving communication with partners, family, friends, or coworkers
Interpersonal deficits / isolation: Addressing loneliness and increasing satisfying, mutual connections
What sessions look like
Clarify goals and map the interpersonal patterns connected to your symptoms
Build concrete skills for communication, boundary-setting, and problem solving
Reduce isolation by strengthening supportive relationships
Practice changes between sessions and review what’s working
-
I integrate evidence-based mindfulness practices into therapy and tailor them to a wide range of concerns and ages.
I combine mindfulness with CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma-informed care when that best serves your goals.
I teach nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations to reduce reactivity and increase flexibility.
I help you steady attention, tolerate difficult feelings, and choose responses that align with your values.
I focus on practical skills that improve daily life and build resilience.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
I blend CBT tools with mindfulness to interrupt rumination, soften anxiety and low mood, and support more flexible thinking.
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Therapy (MBRT)
I use mindfulness to increase awareness of triggers and cravings, strengthen urge-management skills, and support recovery within a comprehensive plan.
What sessions look like
I guide brief practices (breathing, grounding, body awareness) and share 5–15 minute exercises to use between sessions.
I check in on what’s helping and adjust the plan so gains stick.
Who benefits
I apply mindfulness-based therapies for depression, anxiety, stress, and relapse prevention, including when mental health concerns intersect with medical conditions.
I will tailor a mindfulness plan to your goals and pace, and I welcome a conversation about how this approach can support you.
-
Psychodynamic therapy is an in-depth, evidence-informed form of talk therapy that helps you understand how past and present experiences shape your feelings, beliefs, and relationship patterns. The goal is lasting relief from symptoms—especially depression and anxiety—and genuine change that carries into everyday life.
How it works
In a steady, confidential conversation, we will:
Explore thoughts, emotions, and recurring themes without judgment.
Notice patterns (e.g., self-criticism, avoidance, people-pleasing) and where they began.
Connect past experiences to current triggers so you have more choice in the moment.
Use the therapy relationship as a safe place to practice new ways of relating.
What you may gain
Reduced depression and anxiety
Clearer sense of self and needs
Healthier boundaries and more satisfying relationships
Greater resilience and self-compassion
Improvements that continue to grow after therapy ends
-
Narrative therapy starts with a simple idea: you are not your problems. We all make sense of life through stories. When the story gets dominated by labels (“I’m OCD,” “I’m depressed”), it can limit what feels possible. Narrative therapy helps you step back, name the problem separately, and tell a fuller, more empowering story about who you are.
How it helps
Together, we will:
Identify the “problem story” and how it has been shaping your life
Notice strengths, values, and moments that don’t fit the problem’s narrative
Reframe language (e.g., “Depression is affecting me” rather than “I am depression”)
Build a preferred story that reflects your skills, hopes, and choices
What sessions look like
Expect collaborative conversations where you’re the expert on your life. We map the problem’s influence, highlight exceptions (times it didn’t win), and develop concrete steps that align with your values. Some people also benefit from brief written reflections or exercises between sessions.
Who it can help
Narrative therapy is useful if you feel stuck in self-defeating labels, are navigating identity questions or life transitions, or want to strengthen self-esteem and agency. It can be adapted for adults, teens, and families.
The goal
To see yourself as more than your struggles—so you can make choices that fit who you are and the life you want to create
-
A short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on solutions rather than problems. You are the expert on your life; I help you clarify goals and build on what already works.
How it works
We define clear, realistic goals.
I ask targeted questions (including the “miracle question”: If things were better tomorrow, what would be different?).
We identify your strengths and past successes.
We choose small, concrete next steps and track progress (often with 0–10 rating scales).
What sessions look like
Practical, focused conversations that highlight exceptions to the problem and actions you can take between sessions.
Who it helps
People seeking straightforward strategies for a specific concern or short-term support. SFBT can stand alone or be combined with other therapies.
Timing
Often brief (a handful of sessions), depending on your goals.
Your Therapy Space
All appointments are held in my private East Nashville office, where you will have a fully confidential space and access to complimentary tea, coffee, and water, along with personalized care
FAQs
-
Life is both messy and meaningful—no one reaches adulthood without a few scars. I believe therapy can help anyone live a fuller, happier life. If you’re coping with a loss, navigating a transition, managing stress, anxiety, or depression, or simply wanting more joy and clarity, I’m here to help.
My approach is warm, practical, and evidence-based. I won’t treat you like a patient. I’ll treat you as a whole person and a trusted partner. Together, we’ll clarify what matters most, build skills that fit your real life, and make steady, tangible progress.
Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve worked with therapists for years, you’ll find a welcoming, safe, and collaborative space with me. If you’re ready to begin, I’m ready to meet you there.
Real people. Real struggles. Real support.
-
50 mins | $120 |
Online or in-person, this is designated for individuals to process and explore their thoughts. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.
-
I offer online therapy to clients located in Tennessee. Care is provided in line with HIPAA, the American Psychological Association’s ethics, and state licensing rules. Sessions take place on a secure, healthcare-grade video platform with encryption and HIPAA-compliant safeguards to protect your privacy and keep our work confidential.
Quick Teletherapy Setup
1) Check your connection
Use a strong, stable internet (sit near your router if possible).
Close streaming, downloads, and extra tabs/apps; ask others to pause heavy internet use.
If the video stutters, restart your modem/router. (Aim for 1.5 Mbps up/down or higher.)
2) Choose a private space
Pick a quiet room where you won’t be overheard or interrupted.
3) Fix the lighting
Light your face from the front.
Avoid sitting with a bright window or lamp behind you.
4) Use earbuds or a headset
Improves sound and reduces echo for both of us.
5) Position your camera
Set it at eye level with your face clearly visible.
6) Make eye contact easier
Move my video window near your camera at the top center of your screen.
-
I’m an out-of-network provider, however I can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement.
Insurance Reimbursement Tips
Step 1 — Call your insurer
Use the Member Services number on the back of your card (or check your online portal).
Step 2 — Ask if you have mental health coverage
“Does my plan include out-of-network benefits for outpatient psychotherapy”
Step 3 — Ask about your deductible
“What’s my out-of-network deductible for mental health? How much is left before the plan starts reimbursing me?”
Step 4 — Ask how reimbursement works
“what is the plan’s maximum allowed amount and what percentage do you pay after the deductible?”
Optional helpful questions
“Are there visit limits, pre-authorizations, or referrals required?”
“Is telehealth covered the same as in-person?”
“How do I submit a claim/superbill and how long does reimbursement take?”
“Will the check go to me or the provider?”
-
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. It’s not only an ethical commitment—it’s also your legal right. This privacy is what makes the client–therapist relationship different from friendships or other professional roles.
What stays private:
With very limited, legally defined exceptions, what you share in therapy remains confidential.
Legal exceptions (for safety):
Protection concerns: Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult.
Imminent risk: A credible, immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else.
Court order: A judge requires records to be released.
Before we begin, you’ll receive a electronic Service Agreement (Practice and Privacy Policy, Informed Consent) that clearly outlines confidentiality and all aspects of our work together.
Coordinating care (only with your consent):
If you want me to consult with your physician, psychiatrist, or another provider, I will do so only with your written permission.
Confidentiality creates a safe, supportive space—one where you can speak openly, reflect deeply, and know your privacy is protected.
-
My goal is relief that lasts—not therapy forever. I want you to become confident and self-sufficient, with tools you can use long after we’re done. Many people notice some improvement within the first few weeks. That early relief is a starting point, not the finish line. Sustainable change comes from understanding your root patterns and practicing new skills with consistency.
What to expect with me
Clear goals & regular check-ins: We’ll set specific goals, review progress often, and adjust the plan so your efforts pay off.
Skills you can use right away: I’ll help you build strategies for stress, mood, communication, and habits—so you feel steadier between sessions.
Deeper understanding: We’ll identify the drivers behind your concerns so they stop resurfacing.
About timelines
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. As a rule of thumb, challenges that have been around longer often take longer to fully resolve.
Even without a firm end date, you should feel that therapy is useful early on—more clarity, small wins, and tools that help in real life.
If progress stalls
If you’re not seeing movement after we revisit goals and try new approaches, let’s talk openly. Sometimes a different modality—or a referral to a clinician who’s a better fit—serves you best. Your progress matters more than staying with any one provider.
You’ll know therapy is working when you feel better, spot unhelpful patterns sooner, and find yourself making the changes that matter to you. My job is to help you get there—so that ultimately, you do not need me.
The potential benefits include, but are not limited to**
A more supportive relationship with yourself—and more connected relationships with others
Practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and life’s challenges
Stronger coping and problem-solving skills you can rely on
Clarity about your goals, values, and next steps
Compassionate support for depression, grief, anger, and other difficult emotions
Insight to recognize old patterns—and the skills to replace them with healthier ones
Clearer communication and more resilient relationship skills
Space to heal from unresolved experiences in childhood or the past
Greater confidence and a steadier sense of self-worth
A safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported
-
Medication
Therapy is my primary focus—I don’t prescribe medication. If you’re curious about whether medication might help, I’ll connect you with a trusted psychiatrist or medical provider. With your consent, I’ll stay in close communication so your care is coordinated: shared goals, clear updates, and one team supporting your well-being.
Contact Information
ryan@mindfullnashville.com
2002 Eastland Ave #102
Nashville, TN 37206