Ryan Watters
LCSW, CADC
Pronouns: He/Him
Therapy for Adults Navigating Change, Identity, and Recovery
Grounded, thoughtful conversations aimed at helping you understand your patterns and build a more intentional life.
Let’s Start Here
Many of us come to therapy because something in our life isn’t working the way we want it to. Sometimes that’s anxiety, mood fluctuations, relationship struggles, or habits that we’ve tried to change on our own – other times it’s a quieter sense that life could feel more intentional, balanced, or aligned with who we’re trying to become. Wherever you’re starting from, my role is to create a space where you can show up honestly, explore what matters to you, and make sense of what’s getting in the way. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting – all that is required is a willingness to explore what’s important to you and what kind of life you want to move towards. I’m here to help you connect those pieces in a way that feels grounded, authentic, and sustainable.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I’m Ryan, a therapist at Tides Mental Health. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and that’s okay. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. We’ll figure it out together at a pace that feels right for you.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I’m Ryan, a therapist at Tides Mental Health. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and that’s okay. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. We’ll figure it out together at a pace that feels right for you.
What It’s Like to Work Together
Therapy with me is steady, genuine, and grounded in real conversation. My goal is for you to feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are – without judgment and without the pressure to perform or present a certain way. We’ll look at what’s working in your life, what feels off-track, and what you’re hoping to move toward. My approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which means we’ll spend time clarifying what matters to you and finding ways to take action that aligns with your values. I also draw from Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy to support self-understanding, strengthen motivation, and explore the stories and patterns shaping your life. Depending on what you need, our work might involve examining habits that are no longer serving you, exploring emotions with more clarity, building concrete skills, or making sense of where you want to go next. We tailor the process together so that it feels useful, sustainable, and true to who you are.
What can clients expect it to feel like in a session with you?
Sessions with me tend to feel intentional, supportive, and focused on what actually matters to you. We’ll talk openly, explore your patterns, and take things one step at a time. Some moments will be reflective, while others might involve gentle challenges or practical skills – whatever feels most useful for where you are.
What’s one reason you’re passionate about the work you do?
I’m drawn to this work because I care deeply about giving people a space where they can show up honestly and think through their lives without judgment. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have a lot of spaces like that. What keeps me committed to therapy is seeing what can happen when someone has room to explore their patterns, understand themselves more clearly, and make choices that feel aligned with what matters to them. Being part of that process – and walking alongside people as they work toward the life they want to build – is something I take seriously and feel genuinely grateful for.
Clinical Specialties
- Addiction and recovery
- Anxiety and self-esteem
- Depression and mood challenges
- Trauma and PTSD
- Relationship and communication issues
- Grief and loss
- Men’s issues
- Life transitions and identity exploration
Treatment Modalities
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helps reorient ourselves towards our inner worlds, and to live more in alignment with our chosen values.
- Motivational Interviewing – Elicits the motivation that already lies within us to make meaningful change.
- Narrative Therapy - Helps us understand and reframe unhelpful stories, while connecting with our strengths.
- Mindfulness-based Approaches – Support awareness and emotional/spiritual balance.
Populations Served
- Adults (18+)
- Individuals exploring identity, purpose, and direction
- Clients experiencing life transitions or relationship strain
- People navigating recovery, substance use concerns, or other addictive patterns
Training & Credentials
- Education: AM, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, BA, Cornell University
- Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Certification: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Languages Spoken: English
- Availability: Offering in-person sessions in Chicago and Telehealth across Illinois
If you’re looking for a space to slow down, understand your patterns, and move toward the kind of life you want to build, I’d be grateful for the chance to meet you and see whether this feels like a good fit.
Insurance We Accept
We accept most major insurance providers and offer several convenient payment methods to ensure accessibility for your care. We also offer various payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and electronic payments.
