- ACT informed
- CBT methods
- Client-centered care
About Ryan
Ryan Sheehan is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker with six years of professional experience. He practices in Illinois and lists help for stress, anxiety, LGBTQ+ related concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes among his main areas.
He approaches sessions from a straightforward, person-focused stance. He treats the client as the expert on their own life and looks for strengths to build on. Conversations focus on practical steps and manageable skills, not jargon or long lectures.
Ryan uses several well-known therapeutic methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and a client-centered approach. He draws on these methods to help people notice unhelpful patterns, practice different choices, and handle strong emotions more effectively.
Sessions often involve clear goals, short exercises, and talk about real situations the person faces. Ryan aims to make the work useful day to day, for example practicing small behavior changes or new ways to respond in social situations.
He works with a broad range of concerns beyond anxiety, including grief, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, chronic illness, and caregiver stress. People who want to start are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the online options button.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and values, then taking actions that matter despite uncomfortable feelings. It can help with anxiety and decisions about meaningful change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and uses practical exercises to shift those patterns; it often helps with social anxiety and low mood.Finding the right methods is part of the work. He will discuss which approaches fit a person’s goals and try things collaboratively, adjusting methods based on what helps most in weekly sessions.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by avoiding travel time, allowing shorter check-ins on a tight day, or reducing the need to arrange childcare. It also makes it possible to practice skills in everyday settings and bring real-life situations into conversation. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework for remote sessions, and the therapist will help pick practical steps that fit the client’s schedule and needs.
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 kinds of concerns does he address?
He lists stress, anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes among his main concerns, plus many related areas such as grief and addiction.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a person-focused, practical style that treats the client as the expert on their story and emphasizes building on existing strengths.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has six years of professional work experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
What are his credentials and base location?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and Virginia and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.