About Heather Ryan:
At an early age I knew I wanted to join a helping profession, i just wasn’t sure which path to take. When I started undergrad at Sam Houston State, I enrolled in my first psychology class. I absolutely loved it! It was fascinating and I instantly knew- I wanted to become a mental health professional.
I’ve been fortunate to have a variety of work experiences. I have volunteered at a local adoption agency, providing services to birth moms and adoptive families. I continued my career in another non-profit, honing skills in couples and group counseling.
Most recently, I have had the opportunity to work with justice-involved individuals. Assessments and counseling were part of the individual services, group topics include Substance Abuse, Parenting, Anger Management and working Beyond Trauma.
As a Christian counselor, I am willing to integrate Christian faith, biblical principles, and a biblical worldview with professional, evidence-based psychological techniques to address the mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, and spiritual aspects of a your well-being. Let me know if you would like these aspects to be incorporated in our work together.
Every experience, both personal and professional, has shaped the person I am today. I work with clients to create a safe environment where thoughts and feeling can be shared without fear of judgement. Taking the first step takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.
Beyond Therapy
I was born and raised in the North Houston Area. I went to college at Sam Houston State University (Eat’em up Kats!) and recently relocated to the Pearland area.
When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m a boy mom, we spend a lot of time outside exploring local parks and wildlife. I enjoy meeting new people, traveling and immersing myself in new experiences.
My Approach to Counseling
My unique path is built upon a foundation of diverse experiences—both personal triumphs and professional challenges—that have come together to shape the empathetic professional I am today. I integrate this into my practice, providing a grounded and relatable perspective.
My core commitment is to the therapeutic relationship. I actively partner with clients to cultivate a safe, non-judgmental environment, a sanctuary where thoughts and feelings can be shared without reservation. This safety allows us to build trust and work through challenges together effectively.
My practice utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based, goal-oriented psychotherapy focused on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For substance use disorders, the approach involves cognitive restructuring to challenge distorted beliefs (e.g., “I need alcohol to be social”) and replace them with adaptive coping skills and healthier behavioral responses (e.g., seeking support or engaging in alternative activities).
I’m glad you’re here and look forward to meeting you!
I love to work with:
- Young Adults
- Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorder
- Co-occurring: mental health (depression and anxiety) with substance abuse
- Stress and Symptom Management
- LGBTQIA+ Ally
Heather Ryan’s Education and Advanced Certifications
- BS in Psychology, Minor in Political Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville TX.
- MA in Counseling, concentration in Clinical Mental Health, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville TX.
- Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in Texas #76821
Approved LPC-Supervisor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a great group of student interns and LPC-Associates. It’s a joy and honor to give back to the counseling profession.
How to Start Therapy with Heather Today
Heather is located in Pearland, Texas for in person sessions. We are located at the corner of Broadway and Hwy 35, in northern Brazoria County and near southern Harris County. Follow these steps to get started on your journey: