Ryan Elizabeth Smith

Therapist

PPS, AMFT, #118861

Located: Fresno

Availability: M-F, Early Mornings and Evenings

About Me:

I received my Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Master’s of Science in Marriage Family Child Therapy from California State University, Fresno. I am also a semester from graduating with my second Master’s of Science degree in Psychology. Throughout college, I was able to represent Fresno State University as a member of the collegiate rodeo team. This was extremely special to me, as the Central Valley has been my home since the day I was born.

I grew up in a small town called Lemoore, California on my family’s 100-acre cattle ranch, which was home to my family, my cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandmother and grandfather. I have been with my college sweetheart for six years now and have been married for a little over a year. With this said, I can relate to the complexity of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, as well as the effect that they can have on our lives.

My passion lies in supporting individuals in their family life because I believe that family is an integral part of the human experience. Each individual within a family is unique, bringing their own set of morals, beliefs, triggers, traumas, and more. In my role as a therapist at Family Life Therapy, my objective is to assist every family and individual in crafting the best possible family dynamic.

My Experience:

I am now in my fifth year of actively supporting families, children, teens, adults, and parents. My experience includes providing school-based therapy for children ranging from Kindergarten to High School. I’ve also worked with children and families within the foster system, specifically those working towards reunification.

I have extensive experience working with individuals facing various challenges, including depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol dependency, domestic violence, disrupted family dynamic, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD. It is my firm belief that regardless of the mental health struggles someone is facing, the mental health disorder should never define who that individual is.

 My Approach:

I believe that there is not a “one size fits all” when it comes to treating clients. I Iike to tailor my therapeutic approach, so that it fits the family or individual that I am working with. As a therapist, I like to meet my clients where they are at, while also challenging them to continuously grow in their mental health journey.

I often draw from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills in my therapeutic approach. These frameworks guide me as I assist clients in developing their skills to regulate emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and enhance relationships with family and loved ones.

I am passionate about helping families reunify and create peace and happiness at home through finding common ground and a mutual understanding of one another. After all, we are all in this journey of life together.