About Dr. Ryan
Dr. William Ryan, Ph.D.
I specialize in the moments where standard therapy has often fallen short.
For over thirty years, I have helped individuals and couples navigate their most difficult transitions. Since earning my PhD in 1986, I have dedicated my career to mastering the most challenging clinical arenas: high-conflict relationships, betrayal trauma, and the complex decisions surrounding divorce.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. If you are here, it is likely because your situation requires more than just a passive listener. You need an active partner—someone who can step into the middle of the conflict with you, de-escalate the volatility, and help you find a steady path forward.
My Clinical Approach
Whether you are dealing with the fallout of infidelity, trapped in a high-conflict marriage, or facing a major life crossroads, I provide an active, engaged therapeutic presence.
My work is grounded in attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and advanced training in couples and family systems. I do not act as a passive listener. I am directly involved in helping you interrupt destructive cycles, process deep emotional pain, regulate emotional arousal, and build a stronger, more resilient foundation.
Credentials
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In my pursuit of excellence, I have sought out direct training from the founders of modern relationship therapy. My work is not based on a single manual, but on a "master's toolkit" of proven methodologies.
Structural Family Therapy: I currently serve on the Board of the Minuchin Center for the Family, having trained directly with Salvador Minuchin.
The Psychobiological Approach (PACT): I am a Level 3 Practitioner and Trainer, having studied extensively with Stan Tatkin.
Relational Life Therapy™: I am a Certified Practitioner, trained directly by Terry Real.
Discernment Counseling: In 2014, I was among the first clinicians in the country to be certified by Bill Doherty to help couples on the brink of divorce.
Advanced Healing: My work is deeply informed by Diana Fosha’s AEDP, Michele Weiner-Davis’s Divorce Busting, and Sue Johnson’s EFT.
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Advanced Training and Consultation for Couple Therapists
Beyond my private practice, I am committed to shaping the next generation of clinicians. Since 1998, I have served on the graduate faculty at Brooklyn College (CUNY). As the founder of the Couples Institute NYC, I provide clinical consultation to group practices and individual therapists who are looking to integrate these complex, effective methodologies into their own work.
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My work foundation is in attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation.
PhD & MS in Clinical Psychology: Hofstra University (1986)
BS in Nursing: University of Buffalo (1979) — This medical background allows me to understand the biological and physiological impact of stress and trauma on your relationship.
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I am licensed to provide expert therapy in New York with PSYPACT authorization to serve clients in Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, and over 40 other states throughout the union.
Studying with the Masters
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Dr. Stan Takin (PACT®)
Dr. Stan Tatkin is a widely recognized relationship expert, psychotherapist, and author who developed the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT). I have studied intensively with Stan and am a Level 3 PACT® therapist. I have also assisted Stan and his wife, Tracey, in conducting couple intensives at the Kripalu Center and the Omega Institute.
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Michelle Weiner Davis (Divorce Busting®)
Michele Weiner-Davis is the therapist who officially coined the term "Divorce Busting" in her best-selling book of the same name. Her philosophy centers on a highly action-oriented approach to saving marriages in crisis. I have studied with Michele over the years, including a week-long intensive in Boulder, Colorado, in 2018. Her practical, solution-focused strategies are a core pillar of how I help couples stop relationship crises in their tracks.
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Salvador Minuchin (Structural Family Therapy)
Salvador Minuchin was a pioneer who transformed how we understand family systems. My career has been profoundly shaped by his work—from my early days as a student at the Minuchin Center to my current role as a member of the Board of Directors for the Minuchin Center for the Family. I apply these structural principles to help couples and families identify and reorganize the underlying dynamics that keep them stuck, creating a more stable and supportive foundation for everyone involved.
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Terry Real (Relational Life Therapy)
Terry Real is a renowned family therapist who developed Relational Life Therapy (RLT) to help couples dismantle individualism and foster true intimacy. He is best known for his "fierce," direct approach to therapeutic intervention. I have attended numerous intensive trainings with Terry since 2010, which led to my certification in Relational Life Therapy for couples. This "fierce honesty" allows me to help couples break through long-standing barriers and create lasting, secure connections.
Testimonials
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"We went to William because our marriage was stressed by a number of things, including having to raise two special needs children. Other therapists have been a bit judgmental, or minimized the difficulty these children we're for me personally and for our marriage. But mostly, William watched us closely and helped coach us into deep intimacy emotionally. I was really surprised that William was able to make my husband feel safe, and my husband even got vulnerable with me. William helped our Marriage, and in doing so helped our family."
— Olivia S.
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"Every session with William ended with us feeling really good about our progress and better about our marriage. It definitely helped to return to him. William helped break down the negative aspects of our relationship and allowed us to build them back up in a positive way. I started to realize my partner's abandonment triggers. We got each other’s 'operating manuals' and were able to take each other into our care in better ways and be kinder to each other."
— Benjamin C.
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"William is sensitive and a keen observer, which he used to help us connect emotionally in surprising ways. Our therapy cleared the way for better communication and marriage renewal for us."
— B McDonald
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"We only had one long visit with William, but it was effective. We had gone to 2 other therapists for our son's behavior problem. One women snatched him from the waiting room and played with him for several sessions, leading to no change. the next one told us how to give him rewards when he was good and keep a chart on the wall. It worked some, but insufficient. William basically focused on OUR response when our son misbehaved, and jokingly suggested my husband and I should put ourselves on a reward system when we did the right thing when our son was misbehaving. William checked in with us by email 4 weeks later letting us know he continues to be available to help us, but things were MUCH better. We may not have to return at all. Not what we expected, but we're a much happier family."
— Jennifer M
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"Saved my marriage. Very cool style, very sensitive, very new. My partner didn't want to come to therapy but William made her feel okay with it."
— J Lennon
Begin the Work
If you are ready to move beyond "talking about" the problem and start the work of repair, I invite you to schedule a consultation.