Ryan Welborn, LPC
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) deeply inspired by the transformative power of nature and its ability to foster personal growth, emotional healing, and connection. My path as a therapist has been shaped not only by my education but by my extensive time spent in the wilderness, which has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, self-awareness, and our connection to the earth.
After earning my degree at Boyce College, I embarked on a journey that would deeply shape both my personal and professional life. I spent several years hiking some of the most iconic trails in the world, including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Camino del Norte in Spain, the GR20 in Corsica, and the Haute Route in the Pyrenees. These experiences in the wilderness were not just physical challenges; they were profound psychological and spiritual explorations. I learned the importance of presence, perseverance, and self-reflection, as well as the deep sense of clarity and grounding that nature can provide. These experiences helped me understand how the environment around us deeply impacts our mental and emotional states.
After my hiking adventures, I moved to California to work as a Naturalist for 5th and 6th graders at an outdoor school, where I taught children about the environment and how to live in harmony with the natural world. My time working with young people in nature further deepened my belief in the power of the outdoors to support emotional and psychological growth.
Eventually, I returned to school to pursue my graduate studies at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where I earned a degree in Transpersonal Wilderness Therapy. Naropa’s unique approach to therapy emphasized mindfulness, existential exploration, and the integration of mind, body, and spirit—principles that continue to guide my work with clients today. It was here that I began to formalize the deep connection I had with nature and its role in personal healing, integrating it into my clinical practice.
In my professional journey as a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, gaining a broad understanding of different levels of care. From my time at the Vermont Center for Anxiety Care in Burlington, Vermont (2021-2024), where I specialized in anxiety, depression, and existential issues, to my role in running an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at Denver Springs in Colorado, I’ve gained experience working with individuals across a broad spectrum of needs. Whether in private practice or more acute settings, I tailor my approach to meet clients where they are, providing both immediate tools for relief and space for deeper healing.
I integrate the research of John Gottman and Stan Tatkin in my work with couples, helping partners build secure emotional connections and navigate the complexities of their relationships. For individuals, I use methods from Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) to help explore and resolve underlying emotional conflicts, creating a deeper sense of self-awareness and healing. I believe that true transformation occurs when we confront not only our thoughts and behaviors but also the unconscious patterns that shape our lives.
In all aspects of my work, I aim to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel supported in exploring their challenges, fears, and desires. Whether working with individuals or couples, I believe that deep healing comes from a combination of personal insight, emotional resilience, and a connection to the world around us. I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they uncover the tools to create more meaningful, fulfilled lives