Ivan Ayala

Compassionate clinician guiding practical change

LMFT, LICSW Minnesota

Experience: 13 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English, Spanish

About Ivan

Ivan Ayala is a licensed clinician who blends practical, evidence-informed techniques with a compassionate, relationship-centered stance to help clients navigate life’s challenges.

Background and approach

As an LMFT and LICSW practicing in Minnesota, he draws on 13 years of clinical work with individuals, couples, and families to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship and family struggles, addiction, grief, and trauma.

He also supports people facing intimacy and sexual concerns, parenting and fatherhood issues, career transitions, ADHD-related challenges, and a wide range of interpersonal and life-stage difficulties. His style emphasizes listening and collaboration, shaping treatment plans around each person’s priorities and lived experience.

Ivan uses a mix of cognitive behavioral strategies, acceptance and commitment techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative methods, and client-centered principles to help clients build skills, clarify values, and move toward meaningful change. He works in both English and Spanish and accepts international clients, offering flexible session formats to fit varied schedules.

Those seeking a thoughtful, warm clinician who combines structured tools with empathic dialogue may find his approach helpful for working through stress, addiction, family and relationship problems, and grief while strengthening coping and resilience.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Ivan frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in his work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and learning practical skills to change them, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. ACT emphasizes clarifying personal values and practicing acceptance alongside committed action, helping people cope with difficult emotions and pursue meaningful goals.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with clients to explore goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting methods and the pace of work so that therapy fits each person's needs. Clients and therapist together evaluate what techniques feel most helpful and make changes as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage in this work through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care around busy schedules, to access therapy from different locations, and to use communication styles that feel most comfortable while practicing skills between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does this therapist commonly address?

He works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting, self-esteem, career challenges, and ADHD.

How would you describe his therapeutic style and approach?

His style is relational and warm, combining cognitive behavioral methods with acceptance and commitment, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative, and client-centered techniques to tailor care to each person's needs.

How much clinical experience does he bring?

He has 13 years of experience working as a clinical psychotherapist with individuals, couples, and families across a variety of concerns.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He holds both LMFT and LICSW licenses: MN LMFT 2837 and MN LICSW 23335, and he practices in Minnesota.

Can he work with non-English speakers or people outside the U.S.?

He provides services in English and Spanish and accepts international clients, enabling access for Spanish speakers and those living outside the United States.

What session formats does he offer?

He offers several online modalities including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

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 brief matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

Addictions Trauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-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 OCD Panic 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

Licensed

Minnesota, Minnesota

Languages

English, Spanish