Part 1 of 4
- Action-focused support
- Values-guided approach
- Faith-informed options
About Ryan
Ryan Shelby Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Arizona. He offers practical, down-to-earth help for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship and family concerns, and life changes. He speaks plainly and focuses on actionable steps that fit everyday life.
He completed a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and a Post-Graduate degree in Christian Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Earlier degrees include a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with emphases in psychology, philosophy, and business. His work background includes roles in higher education where he supported students and staff in counseling, advising, and program work.
In sessions he draws from several familiar approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, along with attachment-based and client-centered work. He mixes practical skill teaching with personal reflection and values-based conversation. Expect clear tools, teachable coping strategies, and direct feedback tailored to goals.
Ryan brings a faith-informed perspective when requested, along with meditative and psychoeducational elements. He emphasizes collaboration - helping people connect what matters to them with small, realistic steps. His style aims to be encouraging and steady while focusing on what a person can do next.
Outside of practice he spends time with family, serves in church leadership, and enjoys reading and outdoor activities. He describes himself as someone who combines life experience with professional counseling to help people move forward.
He completed a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and a Post-Graduate degree in Christian Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Earlier degrees include a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with emphases in psychology, philosophy, and business. His work background includes roles in higher education where he supported students and staff in counseling, advising, and program work.
In sessions he draws from several familiar approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, along with attachment-based and client-centered work. He mixes practical skill teaching with personal reflection and values-based conversation. Expect clear tools, teachable coping strategies, and direct feedback tailored to goals.
Ryan brings a faith-informed perspective when requested, along with meditative and psychoeducational elements. He emphasizes collaboration - helping people connect what matters to them with small, realistic steps. His style aims to be encouraging and steady while focusing on what a person can do next.
Outside of practice he spends time with family, serves in church leadership, and enjoys reading and outdoor activities. He describes himself as someone who combines life experience with professional counseling to help people move forward.
Part 2 of 4
How therapy approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, meaningful steps toward those values while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing patterns through practical homework and skill practice. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at relationship patterns and how early bonds influence current connections, helping people build different ways of relating.Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to match methods to a person’s goals, needs, and preferences. Together they try approaches and adjust based on what helps most in real life.
Confirm available session formats before booking since specific online options are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into work or family schedules, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people practice new skills between meetings. Licensed professionals can guide which approach and session rhythm will best fit daily routines and progress toward your goals.
Part 3 of 4
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
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
Credentials
Arizona
Languages
English
Part 4 of 4
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Ryan commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, parenting and intimacy-related concerns, ADHD, and related challenges.
What is his general therapy style?
Ryan uses practical, skills-based work combined with reflective, values-oriented conversation. He teaches coping tools and helps people set realistic steps toward their goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has seven years of professional counseling experience, including prior roles in higher education that involved advising and program support.
What credential and region is he licensed in?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Arizona with training that includes a Master of Science in Professional Counseling.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment and cost work?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.