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LPC

Ryan Shelby Butler, LPC

  • Experience7 years
  • LocationArizona
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Relationship, and Family
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Ryan

Ryan Shelby Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Arizona with seven years of clinical experience.

Background and approach

He draws on a broad educational background that includes a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and prior graduate study in leadership, complemented by undergraduate emphases in psychology, philosophy, and business.

This blend of academic training and diverse professional roles informs a practical, values-oriented style that aims to help people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, grief, addictions, intimacy challenges, parenting concerns, ADHD, and other life transitions.

Butler combines several evidence-informed methods to meet each person where they are, incorporating Internal Family Systems concepts alongside acceptance and commitment and attachment-based ideas when appropriate. His work also integrates client-centered and cognitive-behavioral tools, along with elements drawn from DBT and narrative approaches, to create realistic, solution-focused interventions.

He emphasizes collaboration and building on personal strengths while honoring clients' beliefs and life purpose. Outside of practice he maintains family and community engagements and brings that life experience into a grounded, respectful therapeutic stance.

Integrating Therapeutic Models into Online Care

Ryan incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore inner parts and understand how those parts influence feelings and behavior; IFS can be useful for addressing trauma, shame, and internal conflict by promoting self-led healing. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which focuses on clarifying personal values and developing psychological flexibility through acceptance and mindful action, often helping with anxiety, stress, and motivation. Attachment-Based Therapy is used to explore relational patterns and how early bonds shape current relationships, which can support work on intimacy, trust, and family dynamics.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is handled collaboratively. The therapist works with each person to identify goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, adapting methods as progress unfolds rather than sticking rigidly to a single model.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers practical flexibility for scheduling and communication. These formats make it easier to continue consistent work around busy lives and across locations within Arizona, while still allowing for skill practice, reflective conversations, and ongoing support between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Ryan address in therapy?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family conflicts, intimacy-related matters, parenting, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
The approach blends collaborative, client-centered work with practical, solution-focused skills drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, and attachment ideas to help clients develop coping strategies and clarify values.
What is his professional background and experience?
He has seven years of clinical experience and holds a Master of Science in Professional Counseling as well as additional graduate study; prior roles in higher education shaped his counseling and leadership skills.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Arizona with license number AZ LPC LPC-21321.
Does he offer services in languages other than English or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available for online work?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or through text-based messaging depending on their preference and therapist availability.
How is cost handled for sessions with him?
Fees vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Arizona

Languages

English