- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction and recovery
- Career and purpose
About Ryan
Dr. Ryan Knutson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin with over 10 years of clinical experience. He lists stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting and career questions, and life changes among the issues he works with. He also notes interests in ADHD, compassion fatigue, and grief. He communicates in English and does not take international clients.
He has a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in mental health counseling, and a doctorate in counselor education and supervision. He also holds credentials as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and an Independent Clinical Supervisor. His background includes work in correctional settings, outpatient care, group homes, and volunteer counseling at the Salvation Army.
In sessions he draws from cognitive behavioral ideas, person-centered listening, motivational interviewing, and strength-based approaches. He aims to shape conversations so they feel natural rather than overly formal. That practical focus tends to suit people who want clear ways to handle stress, addiction, or relationship issues.
He has supervised other clinicians for over seven years and taught as an adjunct in a graduate counseling program. That supervisory and teaching experience informs how he structures sessions and feedback, particularly when people want practical steps or coaching around career and purpose questions.
People often come to him when they feel stuck after a job change, relationship shift, or health event and want to sort out what comes next. He describes his work as adjusting methods to fit the person, keeping the conversation direct and useful rather than abstract.
How therapeutic approaches guide online work
Dr. Knutson commonly uses cognitive behavioral ideas and motivational interviewing in his clinical work. Cognitive behavioral ideas focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and trying different behaviors to change how someone feels. That approach is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by breaking problems into manageable steps.Motivational interviewing centers on exploring a person’s own reasons for change. It helps when someone feels stuck or is unsure about changing habits like substance use or lifestyle choices. Person-centered listening is also part of his practice and emphasizes attentive, nonjudgmental listening while people decide what matters to them.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will collaborate with each person to determine what methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and will adjust the approach as sessions progress.
Specific session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or medical appointments, and can allow shorter check-ins or conversations when a full in-person visit is impractical. For people exploring career, life purpose, or coping after a major change, remote sessions can help keep momentum between other commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and career concerns, and life transitions including grief and coping with change.
How does he approach feeling stuck or directionless?
He uses conversational, practical methods drawn from cognitive behavioral ideas, person-centered listening, motivational interviewing, and strength-based perspectives to help people find next steps.
What is his professional background and experience?
He has over 10 years of clinical work, more than seven years supervising clinicians, and experience teaching in a graduate counseling program.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Wisconsin and lists additional counselor credentials; his practice is based in Wisconsin.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; 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 a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.