Ivan Ayala, LMFT, LICSW
Minnesota LMFT and LICSW supporting change
- English and Spanish
- Individual couples families
- Addiction and trauma experience
About Ivan Ayala
Ivan Ayala is a Minnesota-based therapist with 13 years of clinical experience. He holds both LMFT and LICSW credentials - LMFT means Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and LICSW means Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - reflecting training in relational and clinical approaches to care.
Throughout his career he has worked with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds, addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, career concerns, LGBT+ issues, addiction and chemical dependency, grief and loss, and survivors of abuse. He draws on a breadth of experience helping clients navigate life transitions and the emotional aftermath of trauma.
His therapy style is warm and relational, rooted in compassion and respect for each personâs story. He integrates cognitive-behavioral and acceptance and commitment strategies alongside solution-focused, narrative, humanistic, and psychodynamic ideas to shape a treatment path that fits each client. Dialogue and plans are tailored to specific needs, strengths, and goals rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Ivan sees the decision to seek help as a courageous step toward greater well-being. He offers supportive guidance and practical tools designed to empower people as they pursue more fulfilling and balanced lives, and he looks forward to collaborating with those ready to make change.
Throughout his career he has worked with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds, addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, career concerns, LGBT+ issues, addiction and chemical dependency, grief and loss, and survivors of abuse. He draws on a breadth of experience helping clients navigate life transitions and the emotional aftermath of trauma.
His therapy style is warm and relational, rooted in compassion and respect for each personâs story. He integrates cognitive-behavioral and acceptance and commitment strategies alongside solution-focused, narrative, humanistic, and psychodynamic ideas to shape a treatment path that fits each client. Dialogue and plans are tailored to specific needs, strengths, and goals rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Ivan sees the decision to seek help as a courageous step toward greater well-being. He offers supportive guidance and practical tools designed to empower people as they pursue more fulfilling and balanced lives, and he looks forward to collaborating with those ready to make change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Ivan Ayala have?
Ivan Ayala has 13 years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist.
Is Ivan Ayala a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds LMFT and LICSW credentials. License details are MN LMFT 2837 and MN LICSW 23335.
In which languages does Ivan Ayala provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Ivan Ayala located?
He is located in Minnesota.
How can I work with Ivan Ayala as my therapist?
You can work with Ivan Ayala through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Ivan Ayala work with international clients?
Yes, Ivan Ayala works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Ivan Ayala cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online care tailored to you
Ivan Ayala draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide online sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed steps toward what matters most - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transition work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve functioning - it often helps with anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and coping skills. He also uses client-centered ideas that prioritize a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship and help clients explore their experiences at their own pace.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Ivan will collaborate with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as work progresses to ensure it remains practical and meaningful.
Online therapy with Ivan is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options allow clients to receive consistent, ongoing support without travel, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access care from different locations when needed.