It starts with stories,
I’ll tell you mine:
From Ryan:
I am the second eldest son of a family with seven children--six boys, and one girl. Oakley means Oak Tree Meadow, and so my namesake has inspired much of my work and style. Growing up homeschooled gave me an early glimpse into family life, and for as long as I can remember, I was surrounded by large families. The Boyscouts of America gave me the opportunity to learn and live by their Oath and Law, and I eventually became an Eagle Scout. After consulting with several of my mentors, I was encouraged to pursue a Degree in Psychology, and later attend LeTourneau University for my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I had the distinct pleasure to study in a Christian Environment which offered me an expansive understanding of scripture and the example that Christ has given us to further His ministry in healing and caring for His people. My earlier experiences in Mental Health took place in Longview Texas at an Outpatient Mental Health Facility called Community Healthcore. My larger population of clientele included individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and personality disorders--some, if not all, confounded by substance abuse. My passion, however, was always driven to learning people's stories, and showing them that they are valued by my sincere care for them. Lately, I have been enjoying married life, and I am the blessed father of two beautiful daughters and one handsome son. We have been living in the Smith County area now for a few years, and I have had the distinct pleasure to Lead other Counselors as the Executive Director of Alethia Family Counseling Center. I was recognized as an approved supervisor for LPC associates on 11/13/24. I love family life, church life, and am searching for God in everything that I do and in everyone that I meet. My greatest joy is Him, and to Him and His Kingdom be all the Glory.
Philosophy and Approach to Counseling.
One Story at a Time.
Ryan’s direct passion for counseling comes from his gift for telling stories, and his joy for having others heard. Over the years, Ryan has heard some amazing life stories, each one inspiring him, and each indicating the unfathomable will and resiliency of mankind. His hope is for you to feel the freedom to share your story with him, and that he may have the honor of helping you tell it. Part of his story is an ever-growing relationship with Christ. His model of shepherding us, and sacrificing Himself for us is one Ryan tries his best to recreate. While it inspires Ryan’s philosophy, his intention is to invite faith into the process, and not impose. Ryan has met several people whose lives have been smitten by the darkness of the world, provoking their anger towards God. Many of them demand justice, and have yet to see it.
Limitations.
Over the range of Ryan’s experience, he has found that he lacks proficiency when helping clients with certain presenting problems. Ryan is not the right person to help with divorce, mediating families with custody issues, or with children with special needs. Concerning minors, Ryan has had more experience and success with boys ages seven and up. While online services with children are possible, it is not preferable as children often need an in-person connection.
Terms of Service
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As a mandated reporter for the state of Texas, Ryan is obligated to report when there is any suspicion of harm to:
-Any minor, elderly adult, or otherwise vulnerable person.
-If you express intent to harm yourself or others, or if you are in the midst of medical need.
-Or when a judge obligates Ryan to appear before court, or if you request that your information be shared with a third party.
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The Texas State Board limits Ryan to working exclusively with Texas Residents. If you are a Texas Resident, he may work with you in person or online. If you are currently visiting another state, Ryan can still meet with you over the internet. He works with a wide array of colleagues, and he makes a practice of consulting other professionals to help you meet your goals. Ryan has had the distinct privilege to work alongside some of the most talented therapists in East Texas. When staffing cases, he never mentions names, and he sometime attempts to disguise the person in an attempt to protect their confidentiality. East Texas is a small area, though, so if there is anyone you would rather Ryan not talk with, please let him know.
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We understand the economic burden that is felt by those who need counseling. For many, the desire for relief is at war with financial uncertainty. If you are needing adjustment to your rate, please feel free to let us know. We have several means by which we can find the right pricing for you.
Online Services will require financial information to be shared at the end of the session. We securely store credit card information through Stripe.
We pledge that you will be informed a month in advance concerning rate changes.
Ryan is also a Lyra Provider. You may want to check if you are eligible here. -
Scheduling can be one of the hardest parts of therapy. Life happens, and we will make every effort to inform you when Ryan has to cancel. We will also notify you ahead of time when he plans to take time off. We deeply appreciate when this courtesy is reciprocated. Please make an effort to reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance so that we may make adjustments accordingly. If there is a consistent pattern of missed appointments, we may apply late fees to your account.
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We can, in good faith, Estimate that Ryan’s session will cost the established amount on the following section. Estimations are on a per-session basis.
Rates.
Individual Counseling
Online or in-person, this is designated for individuals to process and explore their thoughts and identity. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.
50 mins | $150 | Get started
Couples Counseling
Online or in-person, sessions include couples together, but occasionally one-on-one sessions are permittable for focus sessions.
50 mins | $150 | Get started
In-person only. While EMDR is possible online, it can be very difficult to have similar results. Learn more about EMDR.
50 mins | $150 | Get started
Children & Family Counseling
In-person only, Ryan does well with young men, ages seven and older. In family counseling, he does his best to give everyone a voice.
50 mins | $150 | Get started