Helping Professionals Interview Series: Treating ADHD and Anxiety with Amy Camp Ryan, LPC of Urban Fern CoActive
At Compassionate Counseling St. Louis we know that finding the right St. Louis therapist for you is so important! We want to help support you to find the right fit for you and your family, whether that is here at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis or with another fantastic St. Louis therapist. Because we value connecting you with great therapists, today we are connecting you with St. Louis anxiety and AHDH therapist, Amy Camp Ryan.
Amy Camp Ryan, LPC
Amy Camp Ryan, LPC of Urban Fern CoActive is a St. Louis based therapist providing treatment for teens and adults experiencing ADHD and anxiety. Today Amy is sharing a little more about herself and what you can expect from working with her.
Why did you choose to become a counselor in St. Louis?
I was born in St. Louis, and am not one to stray far from home. I do enjoy traveling, but I enjoying coming back home. I knew I wanted to be a counselor in my teens when I had an amazingly empathetic, understanding therapist, who helped me and my family navigate divorce, adolescence and life.
What kind of treatment do you provide and can you briefly share what people can expect from it?
I use CBT and mindfulness in my sessions. We process emotions, faulty beliefs and behavioral responses for clarity and understanding. I use mindfulness with clients to give relief to overwhelm and anxiety.
Not only is mindfulness great for calming an anxious and active brain, it is a great philosophy for living. Live in the present, honor your present emotions, and experiences.
What ages do you work with?
I work with mid to older teens and adults.
How long have you been working with ADHD and anxiety?
Shoot, I have been a therapist for over 20 years, so about that long. However, I became more specialized in ADHD and anxiety disorders after working with Dr. Jennifer Abel, in 2013ish.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
Typically, its about getting to know the client. I want to know about important relationships, more detail about what brings the client to therapy at this time and their day to day activities. My sessions are pretty organic and I follow where the client leads me in this first session.
Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety related disorders?
When we examine some the faulty beliefs that may trigger anxiety, we can face them. When we face our fears we can recognize the exaggerations and release the power they hold over us. When we are able to calm our brain and body with mindfulness we are able to have an awareness and an ability to respond in ways that align with us.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with and when would you refer out?
I enjoy working with individuals who are ready to make change in their thinking, responding and lives. It’s not necessary for it to be radical change, and yet the willingness to play an active part in their life.
Do you offer online counseling?
I do offer online counseling. I understand that we are busy and driving to an office takes time. I also know how nice it is to be in your comfies on your couch to talk about hard topics.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for ADHD and anxiety related disorders?
It is hard to live with ADHD and anxiety, and there is relief. It can be easier with tools, awareness, understanding and someone who gets it and supports you. Some of my tools are pretty simple to learn, and having a support person to cheer you on, hold you accountable makes a big difference.
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
I think I’m a pretty open book. One fun fact maybe, I enjoy interior decorating and furniture. I will watch almost any home decorating show and I wish I had a huge home, that I could buy all the furniture I fall in love with. Show me a mid-century modern chair… love.
How can people learn more and contact you?
They can go to my website, urbanferncoactive.com, or they can email me, amy@urbanferncoactive.com.
You can also connect at with Amy on social media at:
Curious to learn more about getting treatment for anxiety and ADHD? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based therapists, like Amy!
Curious to learn more about anxiety and anxiety-driven anger? Reach out to us at hello@compassionatecounselingstl.com. As child anxiety experts, we love working with kids, teens, college students and parents to help manage their anxiety, stress, and anger. Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO and works with families by offering both in-person counseling and online therapy throughout Creve Couer, Ballwin, Town and Country, Brentwood, and Ladue. We also provide online therapy Missouri -wide to teens and college students. You can set up your first free consult on this website, on our consultation page.