Meet Dr. Pamela Ryan, MA, LMSW, Ph.D.! Dr. Ryan works with clients within the Central New York region.
What made you decide to enter into this profession?
“I have always been fascinated by the human condition. I am a survivor of a variety of traumas, so I have always been partial to the walking injured. I am also a semi-retired professor of philosophy. I started out undergrad with a degree in neurophysiology, went to grad school in philosophy, studied a lot of philosophy of mind, human nature, consciousness, the good life. I noticed that this was extremely helpful in students’ abilities to live better lives and students started coming to me with all sorts of problems. And I started responding. I believe that most people are profoundly confused and struggling to answer fundamental philosophical questions of existence that when left unanswered, lead to intense human disharmony. So, after semi-retiring from my academic career (I am still teaching and in fact have a book in publication on social justice), I decided to pursue the LCSW. It seemed the obvious next choice. People kept on wanting therapy so I figured I should do it correctly and ask the experts. When I see people struggling, I notice the beauty in the struggle, the will to live and thrive. It is always inspiring. Some of my most inspirational moments have come with a rape survivor at 3 am in the ED. People are amazing and I love to be able to help alleviate my fellow travelers suffering whenever possible.”
What part of being a counselor do you most enjoy?
“Helping people! It’s amazing that with some knowledge, kindness and generosity we can really help other people move from living profoundly miserable existences to actually thriving as a person.”
Why do you like working with Cornerstone Mobile Counseling?
“Excellent flexibility, really cool work structure, freedom to practice as I see fit and a seemingly wide variety of excellent teammates to call on for information about just about anything.”
What is the biggest difference between working with Cornerstone versus your previous employment?
“Different from being a professor: it’s not about my thoughts and my desire for where the class should go.
Difference from being a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate: Different type of chaos, longer-term goals and focus, as it should be.
Different from being a Mom: I think being a Mom prepares you pretty well to be a therapist. I’m sure being a dad does too. Lots of the same tools being used, lots of the same tactics, even sayings. Just different approaches leading to different results.”
What are some reasons why you enjoy going to clients’ homes/public places and offering your services in those types of environments?
“Clients can feel much more comfortable being in a park near their home where the kids can play while we talk, often involving the kids. It’s also nice for the therapist to get out and spend some time outside. Meeting in the home is invaluable as far as insight into the client’s life. “
What is something you personally do to take care of your own mental health?
“I meditate at least three times a day, I do yoga and I walk my Great Dane and Pomeranian on long hikes at least four times a week. I love the woods, forest bathing and my dogs enjoying the day makes me feel complete. The silence of the woods enriches my soul.”
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
“Though I have had good fortune in being able to travel widely, I have not yet made it to Japan. I hope to do so.”
What is your favorite meal or snack?
Heath Bars
What is your favorite word or catchphrase?
“The struggle itself is enough to fill a man’s heart. We must imagine Sisyphus happy.” Camus
Would you rather explore space or the bottom of the ocean?
“Bottom of the ocean—as many Irish people have, there is a family story that we are descended from Silkies, who are mythical people who emerged from the ocean and intermingled with the Celts. These people typically feel most at home in the water, as I do. Both my daughters could swim before they could walk. “