Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Ryan Sheehan

Therapist profile

Ryan Sheehan, LCSW

Illinois

LCSW focused on anger and mood concerns

Continue with Ryan

Key details

  • CredentialsLCSW
  • LicenseLCSW, Illinois / 149023568; LCSW, Virginia / 0904017718
  • NPI1235697954
  • Experience6 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationIllinois

About

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Anger management
  • Mindfulness and skills

About Ryan

Ryan Sheehan is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and Virginia with six years of clinical experience. He works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and intimacy concerns, and anger. He also supports people facing life changes, grief, addiction issues, and LGBT related questions.

He treats clients as partners in the work. He listens for what matters most and helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings, like small behavior changes and new ways to respond when anger or anxiety flare.

His style draws on a few evidence-based approaches. He uses mindfulness and acceptance strategies to reduce reactivity. He teaches skills from cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies to shift unhelpful thinking and manage intense emotions.

Ryan frames difficulties in everyday terms rather than jargon. He helps people build coping tools for work stress, relationship frustration, parenting strain, and recurring anger. He also supports those navigating identity, family-of-origin issues, or chronic health concerns.

In sessions clients can expect clear, direct conversation and skill practice. He encourages small experiments to test what works. If goals change, he adjusts the focus so therapy stays useful and relevant.

How sessions work

How his approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting carried away by them. Online sessions using ACT often practice noticing urges and choosing actions that match personal values, which helps with anger and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. In remote sessions CBT may include tracking patterns, testing new behaviors between meetings, and reviewing what helped or didn’t work.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. When delivered online it can emphasize brief skills coaching and step-by-step practice for strong emotions like rage or panic.

Finding the right fit is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try an approach, and adjust based on what helps. That collaborative process guides whether ACT, CBT, DBT, or a mix feels most useful.

Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online meetings can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week - shorter check-ins, not needing to travel, or using audio-only when bandwidth is limited. These practical benefits can help people practice skills more consistently and apply them in daily life.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Listed in

Illinois, Virginia

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of anger issues does he address?

He supports adults dealing with snapping at loved ones, workplace frustration, built-up resentment, and reactions to others' anger.

What is his general approach in sessions?

He works collaboratively and uses practical skills practice. Conversations focus on spotting patterns and trying small behavior changes.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has six years of professional work experience as an LCSW licensed in Illinois and Virginia.

Where is he based and licensed?

He is based in Illinois and holds LCSW licensure in Illinois and Virginia.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does he work with international clients?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with him?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

Back to all therapists

Ryan Sheehan

Continue with Ryan