Ryan Rix

My Name is Ryan Rix, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work statewide in California via telehealth. I work mostly with individual adults and specialize in anxiety, OCD, relationship issues (romantic partners, difficult parents), and existential struggles. I use a somewhat eclectic approach to therapy but rely heavily on a combination of Cognitive behavioral therapy and Dialectical Behavioral therapy to help clients reach their goals.

My approach

I have a somewhat eclectic approach, but I mostly use Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I have found that success, whether relationship, career, parenting, spiritual, or otherwise - can be blunted or excelled based on our perspective and emotional capacity. Often we are using the tools we have or were given and doing the best we can, but it doesn't seem to be enough. I believe we are able to learn tools and skills we were never taught, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and gain a new hope and perspective that allows us to find the success in life we desire. We don't have to be stagnant with where we are. We can grow and change, -- especially when we are supported and taught how to.

My focus

I have found that I work best with adults on an individual basis who are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, or just generally feeling feeling stuck or unsatisfied. Often, when we are in transition or working through life's challenges, we will experience some of these symptoms. I believe with the right tools and perspective, we can begin to see clearer, think and act differently, be more effective, and as a result, feel better.

My communication style

My goal is to create an environment and relationship that creates safety and comfort. I pair being patient and validating with a challenge of thoughts, beliefs, and behavior that might not be helpful to you. I try to just be my authentic self in session which is at times more soft and gentle and at others humorous and irreverent. My hope is that we would develop a relationship in which we can challenge ineffective patterns without feeling negatively judged in session.

My journey to mental healthcare

Becoming a therapist was never something I envisioned when I was younger, but in retrospect, it makes sense to end up here. I have always been a listener before a talker. I frequently and naturally became a confidant to friends and family members. Ultimately I became a therapist because I like to and want to help people. I believe therapy works, and I consider it an honor to walk through life with you this way.

My goals for you

I approach goal setting in a collaborative way. You know yourself and what you want to achieve better than I could, and I may have an idea of how we might get there in therapy. I love to hear what has and has not worked for you in the past. Over time we will set, adjust and track our progress toward our treatment goals.

My first session with you

The majority of our first session together will be spent discussing what brought you to therapy, how you have been feeling, and why you think you may be feeling this way. I will ask questions to gather information about your history, family, relationships, and support. This session is the start of us getting to know each other, building a connection, and getting a sense of where to go moving forward. You are free to ask me questions about myself and my life as well if that will help you feel more connected and comfortable with me.