Ryan Ruud

I use an integrated approach to treat mental and behavioral challenges. The approach utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and applied behavior analysis. My focus is with adolescents and young adults. I often use adventure based therapy mixed with experiential learning as a treatment setting. This approach works particularly well to treat "ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Addiction".

Applied behavior analysis breaks human behavior down into four functions, 1. escape, 2. access, 3. attention and 4. sensory feedback. Through a functional behavior assessment we can determine the function of the behavior and create specific interventions. For example if the behavior is stealing, we look at what preceded the behavior and the consequences that are maintaining it. If the function for stealing is "access", a behavior plan is created to target that function. Appropriate replacement behaviors are identified and treatment would move forward systematically with observable and measurable goals.