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Therapist profile

Ivan Ayala

Therapist · Minnesota

Compassionate therapist focused on relationships and recovery

Continue with Ivan

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Ivan Ayala
Credentials
LMFT, LICSW
License
LMFT, Minnesota · 2837; LICSW, Minnesota · 23335
NPI
1629476973
Experience
13 years
Languages
English, Spanish
Location
Minnesota
  • Relational approach
  • Values-based work
  • English and Spanish

About Ivan

Ivan Ayala is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in Minnesota. He brings 13 years of clinical experience to conversations about stress, anxiety, relationships, addiction, grief, and codependency. He speaks English and Spanish and has worked with people from varied backgrounds on everyday struggles and big life changes.

Ivan keeps sessions relational and warm. He listens first and asks questions that help people name what matters most. He adapts his approach to each person so sessions feel practical and focused on next steps.

In practice he draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and build new habits. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and increase meaningful action. Mindfulness practices are woven in to help manage stress and stay present.

He has supported clients through parenting strain, blended family challenges, addiction and recovery concerns, and relationship conflict. Ivan also addresses intimacy struggles, sleep problems, career stress, ADHD, and the emotional fallout of trauma and loss.

People who choose him can expect straightforward conversation about goals and realistic steps to try between sessions. To begin, readers complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on the therapist's calendar. The subscription model for sessions can be canceled at any time.

How clinical approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It’s useful for anxiety, low mood, and codependency patterns where values and behavior can feel out of sync. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practicing new behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. It often helps with worry, sleep problems, and mood shifts. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person’s experience, offering a listening stance that encourages self-discovery and ownership of change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your goals, try methods that fit your needs, and adjust the plan if something isn’t working. Many people try a mix of techniques until they find what helps them move forward.

Check which session formats are currently offered before booking so you know how you'll meet. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing appointments during work breaks or between errands. Some formats can be shorter check-ins or audio-only conversations if that better matches your day. Confirm the available options when you schedule so sessions align with your routine and goals.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Credentials

Minnesota, Minnesota

Languages

English, Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Ivan commonly help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting problems, substance use and codependency among other concerns.

What is his therapy style like?

The approach is relational and warm, with a focus on listening, clarifying goals, and tailoring practical steps to each person.

What kind of experience does he bring?

He has 13 years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist working with individuals, couples, and families on diverse life challenges.

Where is he licensed and based?

He holds Minnesota LMFT and Minnesota LICSW credentials and practices in Minnesota.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish for both local and international clients.

What session formats are available?

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered for scheduling.

How does pricing work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

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