Join Ryan DeCook, therapist, writer, and mental health educator, as he shares his journey from burnout in tech to founding a private practice, his passion for helping people heal from fear, and his insights on anxiety, panic disorder, and the future of AI in mental health.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Ryan’s personal experience shaped his career in therapy

The role of fear and anxiety in our lives

How technology and AI are impacting therapy today

Tips for building a flexible, sustainable private practice

🎯 Resources & Links:

Ryan’s writing & education: rdcook.com

Therapy directories: ALMA, Psychology Today


0:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome
0:24 – Ryan’s Career Journey: From Africa to Tech to Therapy
1:46 – Personal Burnout & Turning Point
3:50 – Healing from Fear: Core Philosophy
6:20 – Direct Service & Leadership in Mental Health
8:19 – Transition to Private Practice & Writing
11:11 – Training Other Therapists (Panic & Anxiety Focus)
14:38 – Technology in Therapy: Telehealth & AI Notes
17:21 – AI in Mental Health for Clients: Benefits & Risks
20:30 – Loneliness & Mental Health Trends
23:20 – Future Goals: Growing Writing & Flexible Practice
25:17 – Where to Find Ryan & Closing