I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family therapist in Minnesota with over 12 years working as a clinical psychotherapist. Throughout my career I have worked with individuals, couples and families from various backgrounds with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, LGBT+ issues and addiction/chemical dependency. I have also helped many people who’ve experienced grief and loss and victims of abuse.
My therapy style is relational and warm. I believe in hearing everyone’s story from a place of compassion and respect. My therapeutic approach combines cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, solution-focused, narrative, humanistic and psychodynamic therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Blended family issues, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Immigration issues, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum depression, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
MN LICSW 23335
MN LMFT 2837
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ivan Ayala. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Ivan is a great and active listener and creates a welcoming space for candid dialog about a subject that's tough for me to be open about.
Written on Nov 03, 2024 after therapy with Ivan for 2 weeks on issues concerning intimacy-related issues
Ivan has been an amazing therapist. He helps and has helped me through the best and worst times.
Written on Aug 29, 2024 after therapy with Ivan for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and lgbt
Professional, personable, thoughtful, engaging and engaged, not judgy, easy to understand. I have not introspected as much as I am doing now . I am also responding more and reacting less. I did not know the difference between the two until sessions with Ivan Ayala. He is a brilliant therapist. He creates an atmosphere of openness. I trust him.
Written on Jan 24, 2024 after therapy with Ivan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues
I just started therapy with Ivan but seems someone how really cares also good listening .
Written on Jan 22, 2024 after therapy with Ivan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, and anger management
Have tried various therapist previously. The moment I started with Ivan I knew he is the therapist for me. Gentle, charismatic, listens and able to help you break down scenarios as well as not afraid of challenging your thoughts.
Written on Feb 11, 2023 after therapy with Ivan for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Highly recommend
Written on Sep 12, 2022 after therapy with Ivan for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd