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Headshot of Denise Ryals, LCSW

Denise Ryals

Therapist(she, her)
22 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family issues, Stress management, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Couples therapy, Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

Hello, I’m Denise—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience serving military personnel and their families. As a veteran’s wife of 361⁄2 years, I deeply understand both the visible and invisible challenges that come with military life. In my work, I’ve helped countless individuals and couples navigate stress, trauma, transitions, and relational struggles by equipping them with practical coping strategies and compassionate support. My approach combines clinical expertise with heartfelt understanding, creating a safe space where healing begins and hope is restored.

My approach to therapy

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, I’ve seen how transformative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be—especially when combined with compassion, grace, and intentional care. In my current role as a telehealth therapist, I use CBT not just as a framework, but as a relational tool to help clients uncover the thoughts and beliefs that shape their emotional and behavioral responses. Whether I’m working with couples navigating communication challenges or individuals facing anxiety and life transitions, I create a space where people feel truly seen and empowered. The virtual setting allows me to connect with clients in the rhythms of their everyday lives, offering practical strategies that nurture healing, resilience, and growth—one step, one insight, one breakthrough at a time.

Christian Counseling

With 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my practice has been deeply shaped by the Christian Counseling framework—a method that integrates psychological principles with biblical truth, grace, and spiritual discernment. In my current role as a telehealth therapist, I draw upon this framework to support clients in navigating personal and relational challenges through faith-based insights and therapeutic strategies. Whether guiding couples through forgiveness and reconnection or helping individuals discover identity and healing in Christ, I aim to create a sacred space where emotional growth and spiritual transformation go hand in hand. My approach is both clinically grounded and rooted in hope, offering practical tools alongside prayerful encouragement to help clients thrive in every season of life.

What you can expect from me

In our first session together, you can expect a calm and welcoming space where your story is honored and your goals take center stage. We'll begin by exploring what led you to seek support—whether it's a specific concern, a relational challenge, or a desire for deeper emotional or spiritual growth. I’ll ask some initial questions to understand your history, current stressors, and what you hope to gain from therapy, but there’s no pressure to have all the answers right away. Together, we’ll begin shaping a path forward that feels realistic, hopeful, and tailored to your values. If you're navigating the unique dynamics of military life, relationship healing, or faith-based concerns, I bring both professional insight and personal understanding to support you. By the end of our first conversation, you'll have a clearer sense of how I work, how we’ll partner in your healing, and what our next steps look like.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Warm, Solution Oriented

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    22 years of experience
  • Training
    MSSW (Master of Science in Social Work) at The University of Texas, Austin
  • License type
    LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) (Michigan), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Colorado)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cigna

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family issues, Stress management, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Behavioral Couples Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Care types
    Couples therapy, Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English