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Based in Washington, DC and originally from Fair Oaks, California, Ryan Parino is a registered associate marriage and family therapist at Whole Wellness Therapy. He boasts an impressive educational background with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University (2021) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sacramento State (2014).

Ryan’s approach to therapy is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. He believes that while he may have training, experience, and education in psychology, every individual is the expert of their own life. With this philosophy, he endeavors to craft a unique approach to therapy for each client, placing value on the partnership and understanding that what works for one may not necessarily resonate with another. This collaborative spirit is aimed at exploring, understanding, and honoring some of the most profound aspects of a person’s life.

Furthermore, Ryan has undergone specialized training in Motivational Interviewing (Levels 1 and 2), holds an American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Assessment Certification, and is adept in ASIST Suicide Intervention and Kognito (LGBTQ+ Suicide Intervention). His professional interests encompass therapy, counseling, mental health awareness, wellness, and sexuality positivity.

Beyond his academic and professional qualifications, Ryan’s deep care for others and intrinsic motivation drive his desire to foster success and well-being in his clients.

Q&A with Ryan Parino, Marriage and Family Therapist

Ryan, can you briefly introduce yourself and your background in psychology?

Ryan Parino: Absolutely. I hail from Fair Oaks, California, and currently practice in Washington, DC. I completed my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University in 2021 and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sacramento State in 2014. Over the years, I’ve deeply immersed myself in the realms of therapy, counseling, and mental health awareness.

You emphasize the importance of collaboration in therapy. Can you expand on that?

Ryan Parino: Certainly. While I have experience, education, and training in psychology, I firmly believe that the individual is always the expert on their own life. I view therapy as a collaborative journey where both the therapist and client unite as a team. This teamwork allows us to create a safe environment to explore, understand, and respect some of the most crucial aspects of a person’s life. Every individual is unique, and hence, the approach to therapy should be tailored to match their needs and comfort.

What specialized training do you bring to your practice?

Ryan Parino: I’ve undergone training in Motivational Interviewing (both Level 1 and 2) and have obtained the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Assessment Certification. Additionally, I’m skilled in ASIST Suicide Intervention and Kognito, focusing on LGBTQ+ Suicide Intervention. These qualifications enable me to offer specialized care to a broad spectrum of individuals.

What areas of therapy are you particularly passionate about?

Ryan Parino: While I am deeply invested in all aspects of mental health and wellness, I have a keen interest in promoting mental health awareness, wellness, and sexuality positivity. It’s essential for individuals to embrace and understand their identities fully, and I aim to provide a supportive environment for that exploration.

Finally, what drives you in your profession?

Ryan Parino: My primary motivation is profound care for others. I believe in assessing patient wellness on a holistic concept, ensuring that every aspect of their well-being is considered. Helping individuals navigate their challenges and watching them thrive is deeply fulfilling, and it’s what makes me passionate about what I do every day.

Key Takeaways

• Collaborative Approach in Therapy: Ryan Parino emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach in therapy, where both the therapist and client unite as a team. He believes that every individual is unique and should be treated as the expert of their own life, necessitating a tailored approach to therapy that caters to individual needs and comfort.
• Specialized Training: Ryan is not only well-educated in psychology but has also acquired specialized training in several areas. This includes Motivational Interviewing (Levels 1 and 2), ASAM Assessment Certification, and skills in ASIST Suicide Intervention and LGBTQ+ Suicide Intervention with Kognito. This extensive training equips him to provide specialized care to a diverse range of individuals.
• Passion and Motivation: At the core of Ryan’s professional journey is a profound care for others. He is deeply passionate about mental health awareness, wellness, and promoting sexuality positivity. Ryan believes in assessing patient wellness holistically and finds deep fulfillment in helping individuals navigate their challenges, ensuring their well-being in every facet of their lives.