Hi, I'm Jason, a plain-language translator for tangled brains.

I help driven but depleted humans trade the “I’m fine” mask for steady self-trust.

Jason Ryant, Vancouver counsellor smiling outdoors

My story (or, how I became a therapist)

My journey to counselling wasn’t linear, but what good story ever is?

Fifteen years teaching adults in workshops and group facilitation taught me one simple truth: when people make sense of things in their own way, relief follows.

I loved seeing people’s shoulders drop the moment the jargon vanished and ideas finally clicked into place. Over and over, students told me, “Thank you! Why didn’t anyone explain it plainly before?”

That’s when I realized I was witnessing mini therapy sessions. Before me were moments of genuine relief, just in a different setting. So, I made the leap. I went back to school for counselling, stacked up additional training in trauma‑informed care and built a neurodivergent‑affirming practice.

I’m passionate about working with people to name and validate the invisible, isolating stressors they’re already carrying: the ache of feeling alone in a crowd, the quiet doomscrolling that spirals into panic before sleep, the flash of anger that leaves regret in its wake.

And while these feelings are common, they’re not always manageable alone. When keeping it together starts feeling like a full-time job, we partner to work through it together.

My approach? Tiny 10% shifts. Together, we’ll spot and test small, doable wins that stack gently over time until you feel steadier, more spacious, and more like yourself again.

The values that guide my practice

EMPATHY • CURIOSITY • BIG-PICTURE THINKING • COLLABORATION • GROWTH

My approach to working with you

Light-bulb mentor

Think of every session as a learning lab for “A-ha!” moments. You bring the lived experience; I bring ways to help shine light on the patterns and uncover insights you can act on.

Systems clarity

We untangle how bigger systems (work, society, climate) fuel stress, so you stop blaming yourself for totally human reactions.

Graduation mindset

Therapy is a launchpad, not a lifelong commitment. We'll set clear milestones and celebrate every win along the way.

Bringing it all together

Some clients already know which therapy approach they’re interested in. Others just want to find what works. Either way, here’s the mix of approaches I’m trained in:

  • Collaborative, person-centred therapy as the foundation
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Feminist and climate-aware therapy
  • Attachment theory
  • Polyvagal theory
  • Mindfulness practices

Curious about what each of these mean? I’m happy to explain more in a chat together, but just know that we’ll use whichever combination best fits you and your goals.

Credentials & learning

Building trust through transparency and ongoing growth

Clinical & educational credentials

Trainings & specializations

Values & philosophy

Latest insights from the blog

Thoughts on therapy, growth, and being human

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How long should therapy last? A counsellor explains

Therapy isn’t meant to be forever. That might sound strange coming from a therapist, but it’s the truth. And it’s not because I don’t care....

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The hidden cost of “I’m fine”: signs you’re not fine

I’m a therapist, and I hear “I’m fine” all the time. Sometimes it’s said with a shrug and a smile; other times it’s practically whispered....

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Why do I feel burned out? The hidden system behind your stress

Many people walk into therapy thinking their pain means something’s wrong with them—that it’s “all in my head.” Most of the time, it actually makes...

Ready to find out if we're a good fit?

Book a free 10-15 minute chat anytime, whenever you’re ready.