Welcome to A Better Life
Hi, I'm PJ Ryan, LCSW. There is something in your life you want to change, but, no matter how hard you have tried, things always turn out the same. Together, we can change the unhelpful patterns that cause so many problems for so long.
You are looking to make a change. You want to improve your life. I want to join you in this journey. Better mental health is a journey, not a destination.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in NM and TX, with experience with a number of issues. I see clients anywhere in those two states via a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform for video sessions, scheduling and billing.
I take a client-centered approach. You guide what you want to work on and when. I use a number of evidence-based treatments. The advantage of evidence-based therapies that that they have been proven to work for many people in clinical trials and real world practice. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and ADHD as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and trauma, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Guided Imagery.
I accept many insurances including TriWest (I can see Veterans referred from the VA) and you will know prior to the first session for sure so that there are no surprises.
I have been using telehealth since 2019 (before the pandemic) so I am confident and have experience to know that it is not inferior to face to face. The advantages in video telehealth is convenience, time saving, and no travel.
"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."
-unknown
What Are You Struggling With?
ADHD/
TBI
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries can severely impact more than just memory and attention. Common areas I can help with are procrastination, unfinished projects, punctuality.
Trauma/
PTSD
Most of us have experienced traumatic experiences. PTSD doesn't only affect Combat Veterans; it can affect survivors of sexual/physical/emotional/ child abuse. Therapy can help break the cycle on ongoing effects.
Sleep/
Insomnia
Difficulty with sleep can impact all areas of your life. If you don't know what sleep hygiene is, or if you have tried it all and it isn't helping, there is still hope. Psychotherapy for insomnia is the first-line treatment, recommended above medications.
Depression/
Anxiety
Therapy can help to connect the dots between your thoughts, feelings and action that keep you stuck in the cycle of depression and anxiety. Changing one of these can impact the others. If you are willing to make changes, there is hope.
Veteran
issues
As a retired service member and combat arms combat Veteran, I have an insider's perspective and understanding. I also know that my experiences are not YOUR experiences. I only know what you tell me about yours.
About Me
I have always had an interest in psychology. My psychology 101 professor tried to recruit me to change my major.
During my military career, I completed class after class, slowly, between field training and combat deployments. I achieved my BA in Psychology shortly before my military retirement. As I approached retirement, I asked myself what I was going to do (there is little demand for an Artillery Platoon Sergeant in the civilian world). Looking at all of my peers who did not seek the help that I knew could be life-changing, I decided to be part of the solution.
I started grad school six days after my retirement and have never looked back.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have worked with a multitude of mental health issues and diversity of clients. I love what I do and have never regretted it.
I can't wait to start this journey with you!
PJ
Are you soaring like an eagle, or flapping like a chicken?
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Have you ever wondered how an eagle can fly for so long without struggling?
In the journey of life, much like the majestic eagle, we often encounter turbulent winds and challenging updrafts. It's easy to feel caught in the struggle, flapping desperately against the unseen forces that seem to hold us down. But just as the eagle doesn't fight every gust, choosing instead to catch the thermal, rise and glide with grace, we too can learn to navigate life's complexities with ease. While challenges are inevitable, constant struggle doesn't have to be your story. Find your thermals, and allow yourself to rise, soaring high through the vast skies of your journey.
What My Clients are Saying
(not real clients, at least I am honest)
no one better.
John Doe
simply the best
Jane Doe
Absolutely Amazing.
Private Snuffy
Change Starts with a Single Step!
There is no better time than the present to start working on your better life.
With a passion for helping individuals like you unlock their full potential and achieve their goals, I'm here to guide you on a transformative journey towards personal growth and success.
Get in Touch