I started my career as a Recreation Therapist in Utah challenging individuals to do things they were scared to do but would ultimately help them grow. I took clients rock-climbing, rappelling, swimming, and canoeing, and watched them stretch themselves through each experience. I built on those aspects in my career by returning to school and getting a degree in Mental Health Counseling. That has expanded my opportunities immensely, and I've continued to use experiential activities to challenge individuals to grow. I'm a big believer in challenging you to take what we talk about, and find ways to look at life differently by giving yourself meaningful experiences.
The majority of my 10 years in the mental health field has been with young adults with autism and Aspergers, which has given me deep experience in teaching relationship skills. More particularly, in my 5 years as a counselor, I've worked closely with individuals dealing with pornography and sex addiction, and have also had experience working with trauma, and mood disorders. The biggest lessons I have learned have come from my role as a father of four, and being married to my wife for over a decade. I'm a big believer in a client-centered approach, which means the client has the answers, they just need someone to help them look at their challenges with a different perspective. I am a visual learner, and use this approach in counseling however I can.
While the online format doesn't allow me to stretch you through rappelling or rock-climbing, I will find ways to help you overcome the challenges keeping you from your potential. I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, ADHD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Communication problems, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Guilt and shame, Life purpose, Men's issues, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Sex addiction, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
UT LCMHC 7587387-6004
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ryan Hawks. 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.
Ryan has a very warm and safe presence. I feel like he genuinely cares about me and he is the best at listening.
Written on Apr 04, 2023 after therapy with Ryan for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coaching
Ryan is one of the best therapists I’ve ever had! I feel really lucky to be able to chat with with him. I can’t quite describe what he does that is so good or different but it just is.
Written on Jul 29, 2022 after therapy with Ryan for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and coaching
My therapist is kind and he listens to me.
Written on Jun 21, 2022 after therapy with Ryan for 2 weeks
Really caring and wants you to succeed in every way!
Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with Ryan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
Ryan is empathetic, nonjudgmental, and encouraging, which is why he quickly earned my trust. I’ve appreciated his wise and intuitive guidance.
Written on Feb 01, 2022 after therapy with Ryan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I came back to better help just to continue to see Ryan.
Written on Jan 19, 2022 after therapy with Ryan for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and self esteem