JAIMIE RYAN, LCSW-C

EXPERIENCE

Following my experience in Undergraduate school I began working at a community residential rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness. It is there in which I found working in the mental health field to be my passion and went back to school to earn my Master’s degree in Social Work. I have worked in many different areas within the mental health field; these areas include residential programs, psychiatric day programs, community outpatient clinics, and both inpatient and outpatient programs at the Veterans Administration. In addition, I have experience with case management, care coordination, and group therapy. I have obtained post-graduate certifications in grief counseling, trauma treatment, and social skills training. Throughout my many years of providing therapy, I have worked with a variety of diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and those with a dual diagnoses of substance abuse and mental illness.

CURRENT TREATMENT FOCUS

Deciding to seek therapy can be a scary decision for some, for others it may be an easy or even an exciting one. No matter what you are feeling about embarking on this journey, my primary goal is to make you feel comfortable and work together in a partnership to determine and meet your own goals. Goals may be specific or general; you may also even be unsure of your goals, and that is perfectly fine. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds as well as couples and families. It is important to me to strive to find what works for the individual whether it be play therapy, highly structured sessions or just time for you to process and explore your inner feelings and challenges. I want to meet you where you are and we will work together. I work with a wide array of diagnoses, stressors and different situations at Well Life including but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, grief and relationship issues. I am very open and it is important to me while working with clients, to have an ongoing dialogue in which you can feel comfortable telling me what is helpful and what is not in therapy; we can always adjust to what is most beneficial to you. It is important to find a good match for your therapeutic experience, and as you engage in therapy I hope for you to always feel supported and find inner peace.

TREATMENT APPROACH AND MODALITIES

I provide an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from various treatment modalities to find what best suits the individual client, couple or family. I primarily draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. In working with couples, I draw primarily from the works of Gottman in conjunction with some of the methods of Imago Relationship Therapy. With children I utilize play therapy, sand tray and building on positive coping skills. I focus on providing client-centered and supportive therapy in conjunction with the various treatment modalities to best meet an individual's needs.

OUTSIDE OF SESSION

When I’m not at the office I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids. I enjoy camping, reading and when I get time to do it scuba dive! I am a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan. I love sports and used to play volleyball and softball, but now I help out with my kids’ soccer teams and love watching them play. I’m always up for a fun adventure but also am just as happy with some quiet time at home.