Ryan Garza, LCSW

Ryan Garza is a licensed clinical social worker with 17 years of experience as a therapist. He brings a straightforward, compassionate style to sessions and focuses on practical steps clients can use every day. He works in Utah and conducts therapy in English. Ryan centers his work on what each person needs and wants. He uses a client-centered stance while drawing on cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior approaches to help people make changes. Sessions aim to be respectful and encouraging, with occasional appropriate humor when it fits. Clients come for many reasons, including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and family concerns, addiction, parenting strain, and trouble with self-esteem. He also works with issues such as codependency, guilt and shame, isolation, fatherhood concerns, and veteran-related problems. Ryan tailors goals and techniques to the individual rather than following a fixed script. In practical terms, therapy focuses on setting clear goals, learning skills to manage strong emotions, and changing patterns that cause harm. He uses tools from motivational interviewing and solution-focused work to help people find motivation and take concrete steps forward. Mindfulness practices are offered when they match a client's goals and preferences. Ryan frames therapy as a collaboration. He supports clients as they sort through the past, handle current demands, and plan for the future. People who want direct feedback, clear goals, and a respectful, down-to-earth approach may find his style helpful.