Ryan Spruth AMFT # 158884

When working with teens and young adults, I recognize that this stage of life is marked by identity development, emotional intensity, peer influence, academic or career pressure, and evolving family dynamics. My approach integrates CBT, DBT, and EFT to provide both practical skills and deeper emotional support. Rather than pathologizing normal developmental struggles, I aim to empower young people with tools to navigate this period with resilience and self-awareness.

Treating addiction effectively requires an integrative, compassionate, and evidence-based approach. In my work, I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to address both the behaviors and the deeper emotional patterns that sustain addiction. Rather than focusing solely on substance use or compulsive behaviors, I view addiction as a complex coping strategy—one that once served a purpose but has become harmful.

Treating addiction effectively requires an integrative, compassionate, and evidence-based approach. In my work, I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to address both the behaviors and the deeper emotional patterns that sustain addiction. Rather than focusing solely on substance use or compulsive behaviors, I view addiction as a complex coping strategy—one that once served a purpose but has become harmful.

When treating anxiety, I use an integrative approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Anxiety is not simply excessive worry; it is a whole-body experience involving thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and relationship patterns. My goal is not only to reduce symptoms but to help clients build a new relationship with anxiety—one rooted in understanding, regulation, and emotional security.

When treating anxiety, I use an integrative approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Anxiety is not simply excessive worry; it is a whole-body experience involving thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and relationship patterns. My goal is not only to reduce symptoms but to help clients build a new relationship with anxiety—one rooted in understanding, regulation, and emotional security.

My work goes beyond surface-level conflict resolution and addresses the deeper emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns that shape intimate relationships. Couples rarely struggle simply because of communication techniques; they struggle because of unmet attachment needs, unprocessed emotions, entrenched interaction cycles, and misunderstood intentions. My expertise lies in identifying these patterns quickly and guiding partners toward meaningful, lasting change.

I have direct, hands-on leadership experience running both family groups and addiction recovery groups at the Hoag Hospital Chemical Dependency Unit. Working in a hospital-based chemical dependency program gave me intensive exposure to the complexity of substance use disorders across diverse populations, severity levels, and family systems. It allowed me to move beyond theory and develop deep, practical expertise in treating addiction in real-world, high-stakes settings.

Experiencing anxiety firsthand gave me a deep understanding of how overwhelming and convincing anxious thoughts can feel. Anxiety is not simply “worry”; it can be intrusive, persistent, and physically activating. I know what it is like to experience racing thoughts, catastrophic predictions, and the powerful urge to avoid situations that feel threatening. Because I have lived through this process, I bring empathy and authenticity to my work. I understand the struggle, not just the theory.