Alan Riley

I’m a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). My professional experience has shaped my appreciation for the complexity of people’s lives and the importance of meeting each person with curiosity, compassion, and respect.

I work with adolescents and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, stress, and life transitions. I recognize that each person brings a unique history and perspective to the challenges they’re experiencing.

I believe every person has a story worth understanding. Seeking support can take courage, especially when you’ve spent a long time trying to navigate life’s challenges on your own. I value creating a space where you can speak openly, explore your experiences, and feel respected without being defined by your struggles.

My goal is to work alongside you as you recognize your strengths, develop greater self-understanding, and identify meaningful steps forward that align with your values and goals. You don’t have to have all the answers before beginning, and you don’t have to navigate every challenge alone.

Our words carry weight, but so do our tone, body language, and the way we communicate. I believe therapy involves more than acknowledging how you feel. It’s about creating a space where you feel genuinely understood, supported, and comfortable exploring what matters most to you.

You may be beginning therapy for the first time, navigating a difficult season of life, or trying to make sense of an experience before deciding what comes next. Wherever you find yourself, my approach is to meet you where you are.

Drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I help clients explore patterns, develop practical skills, and navigate difficult emotions and experiences. I also incorporate person-centered and narrative therapy perspectives to help you understand how your experiences have shaped you, recognize your strengths, and consider new possibilities for moving forward.

Therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we’ll identify what matters most to you and work toward changes that feel authentic to your values, needs, and goals. My aim is to help you develop practical tools and greater self-understanding while respecting your individual journey.

Starting therapy can feel unfamiliar, and you may not know exactly where to begin. During our first session, we’ll discuss what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to get out of our work together.

You can share at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’ll ask questions to better understand your experiences, listen to what’s important to you, and work collaboratively with you to identify areas you’d like to explore. We’ll also discuss your goals and consider what support or strategies might be helpful.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before we meet. Our first session is an opportunity to begin getting to know one another, understand your needs, and determine how we can work together toward your goals.