Ryder DeFranco

Experienced LICSW focused on practical growth

LICSW Washington

Experience: 7 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Ryder

Ryder DeFranco is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington who brings seven years of professional experience to her work.

Background and approach

She aims to create a collaborative space where clients can explore sources of stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, and other life challenges while learning practical tools to move forward. Ryder emphasizes compassionate listening alongside evidence-informed methods to help people build clearer perspectives and healthier coping habits.

Her style blends client-centered support with structured techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. This combination allows sessions to focus both on understanding a person’s experience and on developing skills for managing emotions, improving communication, and addressing patterns that interfere with wellbeing.

Ryder frames therapy as a stepwise process, working at the client’s pace to reduce shame, increase self-discovery, and support meaningful change. Clients who seek help with intimacy or attachment concerns, family and relationship difficulties, parenting stress, career transitions, trauma, or issues like body image and guilt will find an approach geared toward practical solutions and growth.

Her practice welcomes those ready to engage in thoughtful, goal-oriented work toward a more balanced life.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress; it offers concrete strategies for problem solving and skill building. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for managing intense feelings and improving communication. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes empathetic listening and partnership, creating a space where clients feel heard while they explore values, goals, and personal growth.

Finding the right combination of these approaches is part of the process rather than a single prescription. The therapist works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging makes it easier to fit consistent sessions into busy lives and reach care from different locations within Washington. These formats offer flexibility in scheduling and communication style, allowing therapists and clients to choose the way of working that best supports ongoing skill practice and access to therapeutic support.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Ryder helps with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, parenting and career concerns, and intimacy-related issues.

What is the therapist's general approach and style?

She combines client-centered listening with practical, evidence-informed techniques to help clients gain insight and build coping skills through collaborative, step-by-step work.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has seven years of experience working as a clinician and brings that background to her therapeutic practice in Washington.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She holds the LICSW credential with the license detail WA LICSW SWI.LW.60852568 and practices in Washington.

Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

Which session formats are available?

Clients can work with her via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their needs and scheduling.

How does billing and cost work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefParenting issuesCareer difficulties

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Washington

Languages

English