MidlifeTherapists.com

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith, LPC

Therapist · Texas · 13+ years of experience

Midlife transitions and relationship clarity

Continue with Ryan

Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.

  • Solution-focused
  • Cognitive tools
  • LGBTQ-affirming

About Ryan

Ryan Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas who helps people facing midlife changes, stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and questions about identity. He works with individuals dealing with grief, addiction, eating or anger issues, and mood concerns such as depression and bipolar disorder. He also supports people wrestling with parenting challenges, intimacy concerns, and self-esteem problems.

He has 13 years of clinical experience and has spent a large portion of his career supporting LGBTQ clients through identity, relationship, and oppression-related concerns. Early work focused on anger management, and more recent years include extensive work alongside parents and caregivers navigating family stress and blended household issues.

Mr. Smith adapts his approach to each person’s needs and goals. He often uses solution-focused steps to clarify goals and move toward them efficiently. Cognitive behavioral techniques are a frequent tool to identify unhelpful thoughts and build more productive patterns.

He also draws on client-centered principles to create a respectful, open space where people can talk through what matters most. Emotionally-focused ideas and the Gottman Method inform his work around relationship communication and repairing connection.

Ryan is comfortable incorporating religion-based perspectives when desired, and is equally open to working with people who prefer a nonreligious approach. He invites prospective clients to share their concerns and values so they can build a clear plan together.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesParenting issues

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Credentials

Texas

Languages

English

How his approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following the client’s lead, creating space for honest talk and personal priorities. This approach is helpful for identity questions, life transitions, and emotional processing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thought patterns and behaviors that get in the way of goals and replaces them with practical skills and experiments. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and problem-solving around daily challenges.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) contributes skills for managing strong emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness during times of stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their goals and preferences, and he will adjust the plan as needs change. This is a shared process rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.

Confirm current session format options before booking, as specific formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They can also let someone choose quieter surroundings or avoid being on camera when that helps them concentrate on the session.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

Ryan helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, addictions, eating issues, anger, self-esteem, and intimacy-related or relationship problems.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He blends a solution-focused mindset with cognitive-behavioral techniques and client-centered listening to set clear goals and work toward them in practical steps.

How much experience does he have?

He brings 13 years of clinical experience, including a long history of supporting LGBTQ clients and earlier work in anger management.

What are his credentials and location?

He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Texas.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He accepts international clients; confirm any regional restrictions when arranging sessions.

How does cost and billing work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Ryan Smith Online therapy options on BetterHelp

Continue with Ryan