Ryan Shelby Butler , LPC

Ryan Shelby Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Arizona who brings a values-focused, purpose-driven approach to therapy. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with emphases in psychology, philosophy, and business from Montana State University, followed by a Master of Science in Leadership and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling, plus a post-graduate degree in Christian Counseling from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. He has worked in higher education and counseling settings since 2018 and offers seven years of clinical experience.

Raised in Southern California and having lived in Montana before settling in Arizona, he combines professional training with life experience as the youngest of six, a husband, and a father. His work blends person-centered principles with evidence-based techniques drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, along with family systems, narrative, existential, meditative, and faith-informed practices. He often integrates realistic, solution-focused interventions and psychoeducational tools to help clients build practical skills and resilience.

Ryan provides services for people ages 8 and up from any gender and cultural background, addressing concerns such as stress and anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, parenting and intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, ADHD, and coping with life changes. Outside of clinical work he spends time with family, serves in church leadership, and enjoys reading, writing, and the outdoors. He is not accepting new clients at this time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and commit to actions that move them toward a meaningful life. It focuses on accepting difficult feelings while building psychological flexibility, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and uses practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly applied to stress, mood concerns, anxiety, and problem-solving in relationships.

Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationship patterns shape emotional responses and interpersonal dynamics. It can support work on intimacy-related issues, family and parenting conflicts, abandonment concerns, and rebuilding trust.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to understand needs, goals, and preferences, and may blend methods over time to find the best fit for the client’s situation.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and other responsibilities, and allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care from different locations. Licensed professionals can adapt their approaches to remote formats so therapy remains practical and accessible.