GET TO KNOW ME

Alexis Ryan, MA, LPCC

Holistic Psychotherapist in Fort Collins, CO

Hey there, I’m Alexis!

I’m so glad you’re here.

I know what it’s like to hold it all together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside. The pressure to be “the dependable one,” the weight of anxiety, and the cycle of perfectionism can be exhausting—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This space is for you.

As a therapist, I support women and femmes who want to know themselves more deeply, build a kinder, more trusting relationship with themselves, and foster meaningful connections in their lives. Together, we’ll uncover what’s beneath the surface, break free from patterns that no longer serve you, and create a path forward that honors your values, needs, and lived experiences. No “one-size-fits-all” solutions—just a safe, collaborative space to bring your full self, at your own pace, and build a life that feels more fulfilling and aligned.

How I Got Here

Before becoming a therapist, I spent over eight years in leadership roles across industries like sustainable development, renewable energy, and green construction. I loved the variety and fast pace, but after some personal challenges and finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis in my late 20s, I realized I needed a change. I wanted to do something that felt more aligned with who I am—something that would allow me to connect with people on a deeper level. So, I went back to school for counseling, and in 2023, I opened my private therapy practice.

Then, in 2024, I started a second venture helping fellow therapists and healers with branding, website design, and copywriting. This has been such a fulfilling way to stay creative while still supporting others in meaningful work. It’s been a journey of growth and discovery, and I’m so grateful to be doing work that helps people feel seen, heard, and supported in their own healing.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Working with me is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with yourself—without pressure, without performance, without having to "get it right."

With me, you don’t have to show up polished or put together. Bring the overthinking, the exhaustion, the frustration—we’ll meet it all with curiosity and compassion, not judgment. Together, we’ll untangle the patterns that have kept you feeling stuck, make sense of the emotions beneath them, and create new ways of moving through the world that feel more natural, freeing, and truly yours.

This isn’t about forcing yourself to fit into systems that were never built with you in mind. It’s about finding what actually works for you—what aligns with your nervous system, your values, and the way your mind works. There’s no single path to healing, and growth isn’t always linear. Some days will feel lighter, others heavier, but through it all, you’ll have a steady, supportive space to land, reflect, and move forward with clarity and self-trust.

How I Approach Therapy

In our work together, I use a blend of approaches that are grounded in science and crafted to meet you where you are. I believe the best therapy feels like a combination of practical tools, personal exploration, and a safe space to reconnect with your mind and body. Here’s a bit about the methods I draw from to guide sessions.

  • I often use an approach called "parts work," inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS). You’ve probably noticed how sometimes a part of you feels confident and capable, while another part might feel scared or stuck. This method helps us make sense of these inner "voices" or feelings, giving them space to be heard and understood without judgment. It’s a powerful way to untangle emotional knots and start seeing yourself with compassion. I love this approach because it fosters clarity and self-awareness, helping you feel more at ease with all the parts of who you are.

  • Another approach I often use is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This method focuses on helping you make choices that reflect what truly matters to you, even when life feels overwhelming. We won’t try to erase tough emotions but instead learn how to move forward alongside them. I appreciate ACT because it’s practical and deeply empowering—it helps you connect with your values and create a life that feels meaningful, even in the face of challenges.

  • Sometimes, emotions show up in our bodies—tight shoulders, a racing heart, or that heavy feeling in your chest. Somatic therapy and sensorimotor techniques help us pay attention to these signals and work with them. Your body is like a wise guide, and when we tune in, we can release tension and build a sense of safety from the inside out. I find this work particularly effective because it reconnects you with your physical self and offers tools to calm your nervous system when life feels overwhelming.

  • Your nervous system plays a big role in how you experience stress, safety, and connection. Drawing on polyvagal theory, we’ll explore what helps you feel safe and calm in your daily life. This approach helps us notice and shift patterns like feeling stuck in overdrive or shutting down when things get too much. I find this work to be both gentle and transformative—it provides tools to understand and care for your mind and body as a whole.

My Commitment to You

As a Neurodivergent Affirming Provider

As a neurodivergent-affirming provider, I understand that there is no "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to processing, learning, and thriving. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to creating a space where you can truly be yourself—no need to fit into predefined molds. Whether it’s through writing, art, movement, or visualization, I work with the methods that resonate most with you. If traditional forms of communication, like maintaining eye contact, feel uncomfortable or unnecessary for you, rest assured that this space is free from judgment. We’ll explore and adapt together, so that you can process, heal, and grow in ways that feel authentic to your neurodivergent experience. There’s no “normal” here—just you, as you are, and the space to become the version of yourself that feels most aligned and true.

 Education & Training

  • M.A. in Counseling and Career Development, Colorado State University

  • Maternal Mental Health Certificate with PSI

  • Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP)

  • Gottman Couples Therapy Level One Certified

Ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Sensorimotor Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), expressive arts, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

Supervision/Consultation

Elizabeth Warson, Ph.D., ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, EMDR II, EXAT (LPC# 2199)

Brook Bretthauer, MS, LMFT, PACT I, EMDR II (LMFT #832)

IFS Clinical Supervision Group

This journey is yours. I’m just the witness—grateful to walk alongside you as you find your way back home to yourself.

If my approach resonates with you, I warmly invite you to visit the link below to schedule a time for us to connect. I offer a free 30-minute consultation/discovery call to help us determine if we'll be a good fit. If not, I might be able to point you in a direction that is. I look forward to meeting you!