- CBT informed
- Motivational interviewing
- Strength-based focus
About Ryan
Dr. Ryan Knutson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Wisconsin with over 10 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, and issues around intimacy, self-esteem, and parenting. He also supports people dealing with career transitions, ADHD, bipolar symptoms, compassion fatigue, and other life changes.
Ryan earned a doctorate in counselor education and supervision after completing a master’s in mental health counseling and a bachelor’s in psychology. Over the past decade he has worked in correctional settings, outpatient clinics, group homes, and as a volunteer counselor with the Salvation Army. He has also served as an adjunct instructor in a graduate counseling program and has supervised other clinicians for more than seven years.
In sessions he favors straightforward, practical conversation rather than formal or scripted techniques. His work draws on cognitive behavioral ideas, person-centered principles, motivational interviewing, and strength-based ways of working. He adjusts methods to fit what seems most useful for each person rather than sticking to one rigid approach.
People who come for help can expect a conversational style that focuses on problem solving and skill building. He pays attention to patterns that keep problems going and helps people practice new responses. That approach is used for anger, addiction, anxiety, grief, and the other issues listed above.
Ryan’s background across different settings informs how he sees complex situations like co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns. He aims to help people reduce distress and develop clearer next steps for relationships, work, and daily life.
How therapeutic approaches translate to remote sessions
CBT informed work focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It often involves short exercises or practice between sessions to manage anger, anxiety, and cravings. Person-centered principles emphasize listening and using the person’s own goals to guide conversation, which helps when people feel misunderstood or stuck.Motivational interviewing supports shifts in readiness and commitment to change. It uses reflective questions and goal-focused discussion to help people reduce substance use, change problematic behaviors, or move through ambivalence about relationships or career choices. These techniques pair well with skill work for anger and stress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is collaborative. The therapist will review concerns, try practical strategies, and adjust based on what helps most. Clients and the therapist decide together which techniques to keep using as goals change.
The source biography does not list supported session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier and help sessions fit around work or family obligations. It also allows for brief check-ins, phone-only conversations when video isn’t suitable, or longer sessions for deeper work depending on what the therapist offers and what the client prefers.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address related to anger?
He works with frustration, chronic resentment, outbursts, and living with someone else’s anger as part of a broader set of issues including stress, trauma, and relationship problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a conversational, practical approach that draws on cognitive behavioral ideas, person-centered principles, motivational interviewing, and strength-based methods.
How long has he been practicing?
He has more than 10 years of professional experience and over seven years of clinical supervision experience.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin and holds a doctorate in counselor education and supervision.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.