Male Therapists in Chilliwack, BC

If life feels overwhelming or perhaps feels like you are in emotional pain and are having trouble coping, I meet clients where they are at in their struggles and help them to unpack their emotions and offer strategies for increased resilliancy. I practice from a strength and client-centred approach. I have worked with children and youth for over 8 years and apply this knowledge in my clinical work with children youth and families. Being a father myself, I can relate to some of the hardships that families endure and stand beside my clients to offer support and validation.

A registered counsellor since 1994, I have worked with a wide array of clients. I have done much work with marriages and relationships and have developed a system that generally makes a significant difference within 6 sessions. For six years, I worked as an elementary school counsellor, working with over 450 children for a wide variety of needs. For 20 years, I worked extensively with Level 3 foster children, mostly teens. I also served as a prison chaplain so am familiar with criminal justice issues and addictions. Because of the diversity of my experience, I can generally relate to most clients.

I am interested in helping individuals and couples to set and achieve goals that can assist them to make changes in their lives. Change can be a difficult process, but also one that can be very rewarding and fulfilling. Whether you are suffering from depression, relationship problems, grief, anxiety, trauma, stress, or emotional/behavioural issues, talking about your difficulties in an atmosphere of safety and encouragement can help. I want to encourage meaning and purpose in your life while being sensitive to your religious or cultural orientation.

I enjoy working with adults who want to make a change in their life. The change might be to lessen stress or anxiety, build self awareness or develop new tools in relationships. Therapy offers a rare opportunity to have life changing conversations and being a part of that is very exciting.

As a counsellor, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to recognize and utilize their inner strengths and help them develop effective coping strategies. Through this process, individuals can gain a deeper insight into themselves and their experiences, leading to personal growth and positive change. This means that my counselling is not just about addressing immediate issues but about fostering long-term personal growth and positive change

I work primarily with adults, adolescents and families; specifically in the areas of mental health, addictions and relationship issues. I also see a lot of couples dealing with various conflicts and attachment injuries. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis and personality disorders. I also have experience working with addictions (both chemical and process addictions). I have specialization in EMDR for trauma, EFT and Gottman couples therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy among others.

Trying to cope with the pressures and stresses of life leaves us anxious, depressed, and disconnected from ourselves and others. Many of us fall into self-sabotaging behaviours or repeat unhealthy relationships. Many of us face the limitations of psychiatric treatment and are forced to carry the weight and stigma of diagnosis. Many of us struggle simply to maintain our creativity and our sense of self against overwhelming pressures to conform or perform. We all need the chance to check in and process our feelings and reactions, to work through the struggles of our personal history, and find new and creative ways to move forward.

I enjoy working with all persons; however, I have found that working with men between the ages of 18-65 to be some of my most fulfilling work. From my experience, many men struggle in silence with their mental health and often find it difficult to discuss what is bothering them. I aim to help these men open up the doors to their experiences and help navigate with them the inner workings of what is distressing. When we have built a safe connection vulnerable sharing can begin. It beings me tremendous joy to watch the transformation of my client when they begin to accept themselves for who they are!

Your needs come first, and given Ryan’s vast experience in the counselling arena, the emphasis on the values which come with your cultural diversity is respected and celebrated. Ryan’s commitment to your mental health and well-being is congruent with the requirements for facilitating your healing journey.

As a social worker and counsellor for many years I have walked with people as they have journeyed through grief and loss, processed trauma, and learned to think differently about anxiety and depression. If you are interested in making a change in your life or working through challenging past events, please reach out.