Ryan Shelby Butler , LPC

Ryan Shelby Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Arizona, bringing professional counseling experience since 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with emphases in Psychology, Philosophy, and Business from Montana State University (2006), a Master of Science in Leadership (2011), a Master of Science in Professional Counseling (2015), and a Post-Graduate Degree in Christian Counseling, all completed through Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. The LPC credential indicates he is licensed to provide professional mental health counseling in Arizona.

Originally from Southern California, Ryan lived in Montana before settling in Arizona. He has applied his counseling skills in higher education settings, supporting diverse communities across teaching, accounting and finance, analytics, and student and leadership guidance. That background contributes to a practical, multifaceted perspective on challenges people bring to therapy.

Ryan combines person-centered compassion with evidence-informed methods, blending spiritual and meditative practices with psychoeducational and solution-focused interventions. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques as well as Family Systems, Narrative, and Existential approaches, and integrates Christian counseling when appropriate to a client’s values.

He typically works with clients aged 8 and up from any gender and cultural background, addressing concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting and intimacy-related matters, self-esteem, ADHD, and life transitions. Additional focus areas include abandonment, adoption and foster care matters, caregiver stress, chronic illness, body image, and co-morbid conditions.

Ryan views clients as experts in their own lives and emphasizes strengths and values as tools for change. He recognizes that beginning therapy can require courage and aims to walk alongside people in a collaborative, values-driven process toward meaningful fulfillment.