Profile / United States
Ivan Ayala, LMFT, LICSW
Minnesota
LMFT and LICSW - Anxiety and Relationships
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Sessions in English Spanish
About Ivan
Ivan Ayala is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Minnesota with 13 years of clinical practice. He works with adults on common problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction, grief, and parenting stress. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish for people who prefer either language.
He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and client-centered methods. That means sessions focus on noticing thoughts and habits, trying different responses, and practicing new skills in everyday life. Discussions are practical and goal-oriented rather than long theory talks.
Ivan has helped people facing trauma and abuse, intimacy and sexual issues, sleep problems, and career transitions. He also addresses blended family dynamics, communication problems, and substance use concerns. When relevant, he draws on narrative and motivational interviewing techniques to help people clarify values and make changes.
His work often includes short-term skill building and longer-term exploration of patterns that keep problems returning. He encourages concrete steps clients can try between sessions, such as brief behavioral experiments or focused communication practices. Progress is reviewed regularly to adjust the plan.
To begin, the process asks for a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session. The subscription-based payment varies with location and can be canceled at any time, so people arranging sessions can plan around their other commitments.
How CBT, ACT, and Client-Centered Work Online
Ivan integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients spot unhelpful thoughts and habits and then practice different actions in daily life. CBT sessions often include brief exercises, worksheets, and behavioral experiments that can be tracked between meetings.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to clarify values and build willingness to notice difficult thoughts without letting them block chosen actions. That approach suits concerns like anxiety, depression, and life transitions where values-based goals help guide changes.
Client-centered therapy emphasizes a listening stance that supports the client’s own problem-solving and decisions. This method helps when someone wants space to organize their thoughts and find their own priorities before committing to specific skills work.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will review goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past, and then try structured methods or conversational work as appropriate. Adjustments are made based on what is most useful for day-to-day progress.
Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Many people find online appointments help fit therapy into workdays, reduce travel time, and make shorter check-ins easier to arrange. Speak with the therapist during the initial matching and scheduling steps to clarify how sessions will be arranged and which methods will be emphasized.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting issues, addiction, grief, trauma, sleep problems, intimacy concerns, career challenges, and ADHD among other areas.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and to test alternative responses through concrete exercises and behavioral experiments.
What is his clinical background and experience?
He has 13 years of clinical practice as an LICSW and an LMFT working with individuals, couples, and families across many presenting problems.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He holds Minnesota credentials as an LMFT and an LICSW and practices from that state.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can international clients work with him?
He accepts international clients; confirm logistical and licensing details during intake.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.