Ryan Warner
Clinical Intern | he/him
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Sagittarius
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Taurus
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Cancer
Ask me about…
My interest in table-top role playing games and my experience as both a dungeon master and player. My love for positive queer representation in the media (I could talk all day about “Our Flag Means Death”). My experiences with non-monogamy and challenging the hegemony of traditional monogamous relationship styles. My love for the grappling martial arts (Brazilian jiu jitsu; wrestling) and my belief in the importance of learning self-defense for both physical and mental health benefits.
Clinical Interests:
My clinical interests include the application of table-top role playing games (TTRPGs) to group counseling, the importance of representation in popular culture and how it effects mental health, the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapeutic services, and community driven approaches to mental health support and counseling.
Language(s) spoken:
English
What brought you into this field?
Originally I was introduced to the field of psychology by the show “Criminal Minds”. I was intrigued at the show’s depiction of psychological profiling and behavior. After learning more about the field through my education, I came to the conclusion that I would rather help people overcome their mental health challenges than serve as a tool for the carceral industry. Through my own exploration in the field, I’ve come to be fascinated by trauma-based work and the incredible human ability to overcome adversity. Most recently, I’ve been fascinated by the social and mental health benefits inherent in table-top role playing games and how these can be applied to the counseling field.
Counseling style:
I approach counseling from a goal-oriented and client driven direction. I enjoy working with clients to parse out the specific goals that are desired with counseling and how we can best meet these goals. I think one of the most important parts of counseling is being creative in how we explore the potential ways we can create beneficial change in our lives and working on applying these changes in a sustainable way. I firmly believe that if a specific technique, strategy, or intervention doesn’t work for a client, it is merely the wrong approach for that client and new approaches should be pursued.
Modalities:
I utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Narrative therapy modalities in my work. I have an overarching influence from Existentialist and Feminist theories in my personal counseling philosophy.
Specializations:
No specific specializations as I continue to explore the field and grow my experience.
Education:
Bachelors of Science (BS), Psychology; Minor Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies – UMass Amherst, 2021
Masters of Education (MEd), Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Springfield College, (TBD: May 2024)
Past Experience:
Currently in school for counseling so I am getting my experience with Leaves of Change as I pursue my license. Have previous experience in Residential Counseling (DCF group homes) working with LGBTQ+ identified youth. Received training in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) operation and worked as TMS technician.
Trainings:
“Introduction to Narrative Therapy” – Narrative Therapy Initiative, 2023
“Narrative Therapy In Practice” – Narrative Therapy Initiative, 2023