About Ivan

Ivan Ayala is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Minnesota. He brings 13 years of clinical experience to sessions and works in both English and Spanish. Ivan focuses on practical steps people can use to manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction, grief, and ADHD concerns.

He uses a mix of approaches to fit each person's needs. That can include cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and take committed steps, and client-centered listening to make space for personal stories.

Background and approach

Mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing are used when they match someone’s goals. Ivan aims for a warm, relational style and listens with respect. Sessions focus on real problems and small, doable changes.

He helps people talk through parenting strains, intimacy issues, career decisions, and coping with life transitions. Over his career he has supported people facing trauma, substance concerns, family-of-origin difficulties, blended family challenges, and grief. He also works with people dealing with communication breakdowns, codependency, commitment worries, and fatherhood questions.

Practical matters such as scheduling are handled through the site’s process. Prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions. Fees vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Ivan frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people clarify what matters to them and take small actions toward those values even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It’s often useful for anxiety, life transitions, and motivation-related struggles.

He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a practical approach that identifies unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with more helpful alternatives. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and sleep or habit changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match goals, values, and daily life. If something isn’t working, he adjusts the plan and tries different techniques until it fits.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy flexible. Video allows face-to-face conversation when schedules permit. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit a work break. Live chat or messaging can be used for shorter check-ins, skill practice, or weekly reflections between sessions. These options help people keep continuity of care while balancing work, family, and travel.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Ivan address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, addictions, trauma and grief, intimacy and sleeping issues, parenting concerns, career changes, ADHD, and related challenges.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His approach is warm and relational, combining listening with active strategies. Sessions mix client-centered conversation with practical CBT and mindfulness techniques when helpful.
What is his professional background?
He has 13 years of experience working as a clinical psychotherapist with individuals, couples, and families across a range of concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds LMFT and LICSW credentials and practices in Minnesota under MN LMFT and MN LICSW listings.
Which languages are offered and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
He works with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Fees vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
13 years
Licensed
Minnesota
Languages
English, Spanish

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