Ryan Stivers, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Ryan Stivers, PhD, LMFT
Chief Clinical Officer / Owner
Specialties
Trauma Healing
Shame Recovery
Marital and Couple Therapy
Men’s Issues
First Responders
Substance Recovery
Populations served
Adults
Individuals
Couples
Families
Services
Custom Intensives
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy
Premarital Counseling
Professional Services
Ryan’s Book Recommendations:
No More Mr Nice Guy: A Proven Plan for Getting What You Want in Love, Sex, and Life
by Robert A. Glover
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
by John Gottman PhD, Nan Silver
After the Affair, Third Edition: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful
by Janis A. Spring
The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown
Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections
by Emily Nagoski Ph.D.
About Me
Before founding Summit Family Therapy, I gained valuable experience in a variety of settings. I worked in a 90-day residential program for young men addressing substance use and trauma-related disorders, served in a school system, supported youth at a foster care ranch, and provided care in community mental health clinics. I’ve also worked with families and children involved with DCFS and partnered with a juvenile drug court.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned a great deal about change—what helps, what hinders, and how we can move forward when life feels stuck. My goal is to truly understand your story and walk with you toward healing. Few things bring me more joy than witnessing someone discover their authentic self.
Every therapist has a “sweet spot.” Mine is helping clients heal from trauma and build deeper, more meaningful connections. If you’re feeling isolated, struggling in your relationships, or fearing rejection, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Outside the Office
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and our two children. I stay active to manage stress and hold a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I’ll admit—I probably watch too much TV, and I never pass up a chance to visit Busch Stadium. I’m also passionate about advocating for the Marriage and Family Therapy profession and volunteer with the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists. In 2016, I moved to the Peoria area from Arkansas to be closer to family—my wife grew up here, and my family lives near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Education
PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy, The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2012
Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, Harding University, 2008
Bachelor of Art in Psychology, Harding University, 2006
Licensing & Certifications
Illinois Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Florida Out-of-State Telehealth Provider
National Certified Counselor
Trainings
EMDR Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3 Trained
Additional specialized trainings in trauma recovery (Spirit-to-Spirit Trauma Healing) and managing out-of-control sexual behaviors (IITAP).
“Couples who make relationships work well adopt the motto, ‘If you’re hurting baby, the world stops, and I listen. I’m with you.’”