Meet Ryan

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor within the state of Illinois, Colorado, and an Out-of-State Telehealth Provider for Florida.

M.A. in Clinical Professional Psychology (Counseling Practice)

Roosevelt University

B.A. Psychology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Before founding Coventry Counseling, I worked in LGBTQ+ affirming private practices, where I provided individual and relationship therapy with a strong focus on the unique experiences of our community.

I’ve completed specialized training through the Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute (SOGI) at the Center on Halsted—an experience that continues to shape my inclusive, affirming, and strengths-based approach to therapy.

Before stepping into private practice, I served as a Research Project Coordinator at Northwestern University’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH). There, I worked on research exploring sexual identity development, intimate relationships, partner violence, and the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ people—insight that continues to shape my clinical work today.

This blend of clinical and research experience grounds my work in both compassion and evidence-based insight.

I see therapy as a shared journey. We’ll start by building a “road map” based on your goals, challenges, and the areas you want to explore. You’re in the driver’s seat—setting the direction of our work—while I sit in the passenger seat, helping us navigate speed bumps and detours with intention and clarity.

That said, I’m not a silent passenger. I ask thoughtful, sometimes difficult questions that are meant to deepen insight and promote real growth. Clients often describe my style as “blunt” or “challenging”—and while my feedback may be hard to hear in the moment, it often leads to the most transformative breakthroughs.

Together, we’ll work to help you understand your patterns, re-author stories that no longer serve you, and develop the tools you need to thrive. You can expect a balance of kindness and challenge, always with your goals and well-being at the center.

• Build a trusting relationship with you—because no one should have to face this work alone

• Seek to understand the root of your pain using the information you share and my clinical expertise

• Help you manage distress and begin the healing process where possible

• Speak to you with honesty, clarity, and respect—as a fellow human

• Equip you with practical tools like communication skills, emotional regulation techniques, and boundary-setting strategies

• Help you revise old narratives that may be holding you back

• Always approach our work with compassion, while challenging what’s no longer serving you

I ask that clients come ready to participate actively, not just by attending, but by engaging in the work between sessions as well. If I suggest exercises or reflections outside of session, they’re for you, not for me—and they often hold the key to progress. If you’re hoping to experience results out of simply sitting on a couch once a week, I am not a good fit for you.

I also ask new clients to commit to weekly sessions for at least the first six months. Healing takes consistency. Meeting once a month or every few weeks tends to feel more like checking in with that distant aunt, rather than building a therapeutic relationship that can truly support change.

Remember my role. I am here to support you. This is an opportunity that I get to be that person In your corner helping you to overcome the challenges that you face. I am not here to judge you, I am not here to accuse you of wrongdoing, I am here to help you heal.

Finally, communication is essential. If something isn’t working for you in therapy, say so. Your feedback helps us stay aligned. This is your space, and when we’re both invested, the results can be powerful.