Ryan Garza

Ryan Garza is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 17 years of experience as a therapist. He has worked in individual, couple, family, and group settings and helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and addiction. Ryan also addresses relationship and intimacy-related concerns and issues that affect day-to-day functioning.

He uses a client-centered approach that begins with each person's goals and preferences. That means sessions focus on what matters to the client and on practical steps they can try between meetings. The tone in sessions is compassionate and encouraging, with room for straightforward talk and occasional light humor.

Ryan draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies. These methods are used to build coping skills, change unhelpful thinking patterns, and improve emotion regulation. Work may include short-term problem solving or longer-term exploration depending on the issue.

Many people come for help with trauma, codependency, substance use, or challenges tied to military service and fatherhood. He also supports those dealing with feelings of isolation, anger, or low self-esteem. Treatment plans are shaped together, so interventions match a client’s life and pace.

Sessions aim to increase day-to-day functioning, reduce distress, and clarify life priorities. Ryan encourages clients to set realistic goals and track progress between appointments. Prospective clients in Utah can expect straightforward, goal-focused care.

How therapeutic approaches shape online care

Client-centered therapy puts the client's goals first and guides what happens in sessions. It means the therapist listens for what the person wants to change and adapts tools and pacing to meet those goals.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and mood challenges and usually involves practical exercises to try between sessions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches skills for managing strong emotions and improving relationships. It emphasizes skills training in areas like distress tolerance and emotion regulation, which can reduce impulsive or self-destructive patterns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to select methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. Adjustments are made over time as progress is tracked and priorities change.

Confirm current online session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - sessions can be scheduled during breaks, avoid travel time, and let people meet with licensed professionals from different locations. Some formats may also allow shorter check-ins when a brief touchpoint is all that's needed.