GET TO KNOW ME

Alexis Ryan, MA, LPCC

Holistic Psychotherapist in Fort Collins, CO

Let’s Work Together

Hey there, I’m Alexis! (she/her)

I’m really glad you found your way here.

I’m a therapist, a dual business owner, a pet parent, a partner/friend/daughter, a quiet lover of life’s small wonders — sipping tea as stories carry me to other worlds, wandering through nature or antique shops in search of the treasures time has left behind. I delight in the worlds of fiction, fantasy, dystopia, and science fiction, in the small circles of close friends, in evenings that stretch long and slow, and in the gentle rhythms that remind us we are alive.

These are the threads of my life that I bring into my work: curiosity, wonder, and a belief that meaning can always be found — in story, in connection, in the everyday magic (and challenge) of being human.

My approach blends relational depth, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindful nervous system work, storytelling, and values-based exploration. I see therapy as a gentle invitation: to sit with yourself, trace the patterns in your life, listen to the parts of you that have been trying to protect, and reconnect with the rhythms and wisdom that have always been present. We move beyond surface-level coping, not by rushing, but by circling back, listening, and creating space for curiosity, compassion, and honesty.

My Approach to Therapy

My approach weaves together relational depth, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindful nervous system work, storytelling, and values-based exploration. I see therapy as a quiet invitation: to settle into yourself, trace the threads and patterns that have shaped your life, listen to the parts of you that have been holding on for safety, and gently return to the rhythms and wisdom that have always been present beneath the noise. We move beyond surface-level coping not by pushing forward, but by circling back, pausing, noticing, and making room for curiosity, compassion, and honest presence.

I also hold that therapy is inherently political. Healing cannot be separated from culture, history, or the systems that shape our lives, and I approach this truth with humility, care, and curiosity. I strive to create a space that is grounded, inclusive, and aware, while also embracing innovation, imagination, and the overlooked paths to well-being — drawing from indigenous and ancestral wisdom, philosophical reflection, and the deep richness of human experience.

How I Got Here

Before stepping into therapy, I spent over eight years navigating leadership roles across industries like sustainable development, renewable energy, and green construction. I loved the variety, the fast pace, the feeling of being in motion — but beneath the surface, I felt a quiet restlessness, a sense that something essential was missing. In my late 20s, after facing personal challenges and receiving my ADHD diagnosis, the pieces began to fall into place. I realized I wanted work that resonated with who I truly am, work that allowed for connection, depth, and meaning — a space to witness and hold the fullness of human experience.

That realization led me back to school for counseling, and in 2023, I opened my private therapy practice. It was a step toward aligning my life with my values, curiosity, and the ways I naturally relate to others: with presence, care, and attention to the layers that make each person whole.

In 2024, I also launched a second venture, supporting fellow therapists, healers, and mental health professionals with website design, copywriting, and depth-focused business coaching. This creative outlet has allowed me to blend skills, imagination, and heart while helping others share their work in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.

Theraputic Modalities

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 & LGBTQ+ Affirming Provider

As a neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I offer a space where you don’t have to mask, explain, or conform to rigid expectations or social norms to feel seen and supported. Whether you're queer, trans, questioning, or neurodivergent, our work together will honor your unique ways of processing, expressing, and connecting. I believe healing is most powerful when it’s personalized—whether that means using writing, movement, metaphor, or creating space for quiet reflection—and when it allows for all parts of you to be met with warmth and respect.

I bring both professional training and lived experience as someone who is neurodivergent and actively exploring my own gender and sexual identity. I also recognize that identity doesn’t equal expertise. I approach this work with humility and a commitment to ongoing learning—staying informed about current events, evolving language, and the systemic forces that shape our mental health, including racism, ableism, transphobia, and more. Together, we’ll create a space that feels safe, authentic, and grounded in both personal truth and cultural awareness.

GET IN TOUCH

This journey is yours. I’m just the witness.

I feel deeply grateful to do work that helps people feel truly seen, heard, and supported, and to witness the resilience, insight, and beauty that emerge when someone steps fully into themselves. 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 you 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!

Schedule A Free Consultation

Professional Training

I’m always learning and growing so I can offer care that feels safe, respectful, and truly attuned to who you are. My professional training combines evidence-based, mind-body practices—all grounded in trauma-informed care.

I’m akso deeply committed to honoring the rich diversity of cultural, neurodivergent, and gender-expansive identities among the people I work with. Because of this, I prioritize ongoing education to strengthen a multicultural lens and embrace decolonizing and liberation frameworks that challenge dominant narratives and center your unique lived experience within the broader context of systemic and cultural influences. I also stay informed on current events and social issues, recognizing how much our lived experiences are shaped by the world around us.