What do all those letters after your name mean?

Psy.D. indicates that I’m a Doctor of Psychology.  When I was shopping for graduate programs “Psy.D” used to unofficially indicate that there was more of a clinical focus as opposed to research, which really appealed to me because I’m not much of an academic or statistician, but rather a hands-on experiential, process-oriented, and interpretive kind of practitioner.  These days I don’t believe that distinction to be the case anymore and most programs endeavor to be integrative in their approach (e.g. clinical practice informed by up-to-date research).  

What brought you to Health Quest?

I have known Dr. Kelly for many many years - back when he was called “Ryan the Pirate” (ask me about that later).  He and I have connected so well and are typically quite adept at making one-another laugh which I think is CRITICAL when considering a place to work!  We also overlap on so many aspects of geek culture and can be found connecting over passionate discussions about that.  I used to work with him and Dr. Connell at another large practice and when I heard that they were creating something that leans hard into geek culture, which is such an integral part of who I am, I said, “SIGN ME UP!”  I should say here too that I respect the heck out of Dr. Connell - aside from her super innovative tabletop gaming groups (she LITERALLY wrote the book on that), she brings the executive functioning and sensibility needed to counteract Ryan’s ADHD-fueled BTDE (Big Tasmanian Devil Energy).   

What does innovation mean for you and your practice?

Let’s just say that I consider myself “Innovative-By-Proxy.”  What I mean is that I LOVE the innovation piece that is central to HQ’s philosophy.  To be around innovation is to have access to it.  One can get training because you have the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment and folks who are excited about it, willing to get you up to speed.  When I hear about utilizing VR to, for example, extend some compassion to your future self via an aged rendering of your likeness utilizing a 3D scan, well that just blows my mind!  And while I don’t aspire to be a Dungeon Master (DM), I absolutely love that we offer those aforementioned groups overseen by Dr. Connell - there’s not much else like that out there - That’s innovation!  

What are some recent developments in your field that you are most excited about?

I have to say that I NEVER seriously considered teletherapy as a viable treatment option.  But then a global pandemic hit.  We had to shift how we delivered services to keep apace of CDC guidelines.  I think overall this has been a welcome shift, offering accessibility to clients who might not otherwise have access.  Speaking of access, if clinicians jump through the necessary procedural hoops to acquire the PsyPact distinction (which I did recently), it allows one to practice across state lines for those states who have signed up for it (39 at the last count!).  And if I’m being quite frank, well, it’s pretty cool to be able to meet with someone in your PJ pants in the comfort of your home.  

What media (books, films, TV etc.) do find most inspirational?

I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I do not read much.  I do blame my ADHD brain for that a little, as a book will sit on my nightstand for MONTHS if it does not excite me and keep that excitement going.  The last book to do that for me was “Ready Player One.”  Talk about a love letter to my generation!  I do love film, though.  I have been a Star Wars fan since watching the first film (now called “A New Hope”) at a drive-in theater at the age of about 4.  Some of my favorite films include The Empire Strikes Back, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Big Trouble in Little China, Aliens, The Terminator (and its sequel), The Harry Potter films, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  If I had to pick a trend regarding inspiration from these films it would be: Act like the hero.  Look out for the oppressed and stand up for what is right. Take risks.  Go on an adventure.  Make friends along the way.  Never piss off a Wookie!  

What does good self-care look like for you?

Being active has always been important to me.  My reasoning is this: I am in my head a lot with my work so it makes sense to be in my body at other times to provide a nice counterbalance.  I recommend aspiring to attain this kind of balance ALL the time to my clients and surely I practice what I preach.  So when I’m not empathizing, being supportive, listening, validating, and trying to come up with strategic solutions for complex issues I am running after a soccer ball on the pitch or splashing around in a pool counting down the laps.  Self-care also means that I am setting aside time to be with family and friends and also pursuing one of my favorite pastimes: playing video games!