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RB Portrait of Ryan Shelby Butler

Ryan Shelby Butler

Practical, values-focused counseling in Arizona

LPC Arizona

Experience
7 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English

About Ryan

Ryan Shelby Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Arizona. He offers practical, down-to-earth help for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, and other life challenges.

Background and approach

He talks plainly and focuses on what people can do next instead of getting stuck in blame or theory. He uses a mix of approaches drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-focused work, and client-centered principles.

Sessions often include skill practice, values exploration, and short-term problem solving tailored to the person's needs. The Gottman Method is part of the toolkit he brings for relationship-focused work.

Butler earned a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and a Post-Graduate degree in Christian Counseling from Grand Canyon University. He also holds a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with emphases in psychology, philosophy, and business.

His background includes several years in higher education where he supported students and staff in guidance and leadership roles. He tends to blend practical coaching with therapeutic listening, drawing on life experience as a husband and father.

Sessions aim to identify small, manageable steps clients can take between meetings. That can mean learning coping skills, clarifying values, or practicing new ways of communicating.

Outside work he spends time with family, serves in church leadership, and enjoys reading and the outdoors. He describes counseling as collaborative and goal oriented, and he encourages people to take the first step when they feel ready.

Therapeutic approaches for online sessions

Ryan combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with attachment-focused and client-centered work to support people online. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying what matters most to them and taking committed action toward those values. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships and helps people develop safer, more dependable ways of relating to others. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration so the person sets the pace and goals.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will review goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before to decide which methods to use. That choice is flexible and can shift as progress is made or new needs emerge.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide practical options. Video is useful for longer sessions and practicing interactions. Phone can be a simpler check-in with less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework support, or when scheduling needs to be flexible. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and keep consistent momentum between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
He helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, addictions, trauma, grief, intimacy issues, parenting stress, anger, ADHD, and related challenges.
What is the general approach in sessions?
Sessions mix Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-informed work, and client-centered methods. Conversations focus on skills, values, and practical steps that match each person's goals.
How many years of experience does he have?
He has seven years of professional experience working as a counselor since 2018.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds the LPC credential and practices in Arizona.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
He meets with people using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are arranged through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

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 in

Arizona

Languages

English