Dr. Ryan (he/him) practices psychology from a developmental and relational perspective, meaning that his primary focus is on understanding how his clients' experiences of "growing up" and formative relationships shape how they learn to deal with life's challenges. Within this model, Dr. Ryan works with clients to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for self-exploration, helping them to unpack how their personal histories and experiences shape how they navigate their emotions and needs. Dr. Ryan understands that, due to a variety of circumstances (including experiences of trauma/isolation/rejection, neurodevelopmental differences, and being raised by overwhelmed or unavailable caregivers), many of us unwittingly internalize problematic lessons about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us that create or perpetuate emotional distress. By uncovering and understanding these rigid rules and perspectives that may have served us in our past but may be making us sick today, we can start to do the hard work of healing and growing into more creative, flexible, and adaptable human beings. Dr. Ryan works with clients to help them identify their strengths and shore up their growing edges so that they can feel more equipped to face the challenges that life brings their way.

Dr Ryan’s current status is clinical supervisor and training director. He currently serves as a director-at-large on the board of directors of California Psychological Association's Division 1 for Clinical and Professional Practice.

Clinical Experience:
Dr. Ryan has over a decade of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of concerns. His training and experience offers him a unique advantage in working with clients with neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy) and clients interested in integrating religion or spirituality into their work in therapy. In addition to his work in individual therapy, Dr. Ryan has also supported couples, parents, and families looking to heal their relationships, improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and restore emotional intimacy with their loved ones.

Professional Affiliations:
California Psychological Association
San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association

Publications:
Thomas, R.M. & Schnitker, S.A. (2016). “Modeling the effects of within-person characteristic and goal-level attributes on personal project pursuit over time.” Journal of Research in Personality. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2016.06.012

Presentations:
Davis, A.L. & Thomas, R.M. (2023, October). Developmentally-Informed Psychotherapy: A Treatment Approach for Growing People. Presentation to the San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association, Pasadena, CA.

Eurich-Roscoe, S., Thomas, R.M, Carter, K., & Yang, J. (2022, January). Community Mental Health Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Presentation to the San Gabriel Valley Presbytery, San Gabriel, CA.

Thomas, R.M. (2018, January). Supporting the Social-Emotional Transition to Adulthood. Presentation to Interagency Community Connections – Los Angeles (ICC-LA), Pasadena, CA.

Thomas, R.M. & Chattha, G. (2016, July). Understanding the Autism Spectrum. Presentation at Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.

Schnitker, S.A. & Thomas, R.M. (2016, January). Modeling the Dynamics of Goal Pursuit Across Time with Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) and Cross-Lag Panel Modeling (CLPM). Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, San Diego, CA.

Hassan, N. & Thomas, R.M. (2015, November). Gun Violence and School Shootings. Presentation at Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.

Stein, M.L. & Thomas, R.M. (2013, October). Psychoeducational Assessment. Training workshop presented at Therapy in Action, Tarzana, CA.

Schnitker, S.A., Fernandez, N.A., & Thomas, R.M. (2013, April). Creation and Evaluation of a Nomothetic Strivings Questionnaire to Assess Adolescent Positive Development. Poster session presented at the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Seattle, WA.

Credentials:
Licensed Psychologist #31026 – California Board of Psychology