LMFTTherapists

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IA Portrait of Ivan Ayala

Ivan Ayala, LMFT, LICSW

Calm, practical therapy for everyday challenges

About Ivan

Ivan Ayala is a licensed therapist working in Minnesota. He holds licenses as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Background and approach

He brings 13 years of clinical experience to conversations about stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and addiction concerns. He uses straightforward, practical methods in sessions.

He listens first, then helps people set goals and try strategies that fit their life. He draws on cognitive behavioral ideas, acceptance and commitment techniques, and client-centered therapy when making a plan.

Many people come for help with grief, trauma, parenting strain, intimacy problems, or career and life transitions. He also supports those facing LGBT concerns, sleep disruption, self-esteem issues, and ADHD-related struggles.

Sessions often focus on small, doable steps toward clearer thinking and steadier routines. Ivan describes his style as warm and relational.

He emphasizes compassion and respect while asking questions that help people notice patterns. Conversations are tailored to each person’s needs rather than following a fixed script.

He speaks English and Spanish and has worked with a range of cultural backgrounds. Over his career he has supported individuals, couples, and families around issues such as blended family challenges, fatherhood concerns, codependency, and recovery from substance use.

If someone is considering therapy, Ivan helps set clear goals and practical next steps. He encourages people to move at a pace that feels manageable and to measure progress in everyday life.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to values-driven actions. Online ACT sessions focus on practical exercises that encourage small behavior changes and clearer priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and shifting thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going, and online work often includes short between-session tasks to practice new ways of thinking. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person’s experience, using empathetic listening to help people feel understood and to guide their own choices.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk through goals, try different tools, and adjust methods based on what feels useful. Sessions are collaborative - the therapist offers options and the person decides what to try next.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for deeper conversation and visual cues. Phone calls can be a good fit when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat or text works well for brief updates, coaching-style exchanges, or when someone prefers writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family, and travel while keeping continuity of care.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Ivan help with?
Ivan works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, addiction, trauma and grief. He also addresses intimacy, sleep, parenting, self-esteem, career transitions, ADHD, and related topics.
What is his therapeutic approach like?
He blends cognitive behavioral techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, client-centered methods, narrative ideas, and motivational interviewing. The focus is practical steps you can use between sessions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
Ivan has 13 years of experience working as a clinical psychotherapist with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and he is available to work with international clients as well.
What formats are available for therapy sessions?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.