Ruth Stoan , LPC

Ruth Stoan understands the courage involved in reaching out for support and recognizes that asking for help is the first step toward meaningful change. With 35 years of clinical experience, she brings a calm, steady presence to work with individuals and couples facing grief, stress, anxiety, life transitions, addictions, relationship concerns, trauma, and issues related to intimacy and self-esteem. She has supported families coping with changing roles and aging parents and has experience with LGBTQ+ clients and hospice and end-of-life counseling.

Ruth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a state credential that denotes formal licensure to provide professional counseling, and she is also a certified coach. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has trained in a range of therapeutic models and holistic tools. Her skill set includes mindfulness practices, breath work, relaxation techniques, imagery, theta healing, and methods for identifying and clearing limiting beliefs.

Her approach emphasizes collaboration - building a plan together, developing skills, and uncovering deeper factors that may limit progress while addressing immediate concerns. Ruth places a special focus on supporting women through major life changes and on helping clients tap into their strengths so lasting change can occur. She often uses video sessions to establish a strong therapeutic connection but is also available by phone and text during weekdays, some evenings, and by request on Saturdays. She checks messages frequently and aims to be an active advocate and partner in each client’s growth.

Approaches for Online Therapy and How They Help

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping clients clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, depression, and navigating major life changes by emphasizing purpose-driven steps rather than struggling with unwanted inner experiences.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the relationship and the person’s own resources, offering empathy and nonjudgmental listening so clients can explore identity, self-esteem, and relationship concerns at their own pace. This approach supports healing in grief, life transitions, and issues around intimacy and sense of self.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, providing practical strategies for managing anxiety, mood challenges, and coping skills for addictions and stressful situations. It often pairs well with mindfulness and relaxation techniques for immediate symptom relief and long-term change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is treated as a collaborative effort. Ruth Stoan works with clients and licensed professionals to determine which methods best match each person’s goals, preferences, and needs, adapting techniques over time as change unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call for face-to-face connection, by phone for convenience, or through live chat and text-based messaging for shorter check-ins and ongoing support. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to maintain continuity of care when schedules or locations change.