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Ryan O'Keefe, Psy.D.

Psychological Associate
Therapist in San Diego

Dr. Ryan O'Keefe is a psychological associate (94029187) working under the supervision of Dr. Jacob Ambrose (PSY34639). He specializes in working with adults navigating ADHD, anxiety, anger, and depression, particularly individuals who are striving to build more fulfilling and successful lives both personally and professionally.

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Many of the individuals Ryan works with are professionals or high-achieving individuals who feel pressure to perform at a high level while also managing internal challenges such as stress, emotional intensity, or difficulty maintaining balance between work and personal life.

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Ryan enjoys helping individuals better understand the psychological and neurological patterns that influence their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Through therapy, clients often develop greater clarity about their experiences while learning practical strategies that support emotional well-being and long-term growth.

About Dr. Ryan

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Dr. Ryan frequently works with adults experiencing:

• ADHD and executive functioning challenges
• anxiety and chronic overthinking
• anger and emotional regulation difficulties
• depression and loss of motivation
• stress and burnout related to work or life transitions

 

Many of his clients are individuals who are capable and driven but feel stuck in patterns that prevent them from experiencing the level of fulfillment or stability they desire.

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Dr. Ryan works collaboratively with clients to explore these patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to emotional and situational stress.

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Working With Professionals and High Expectations

Many of Dr. Ryan’s clients are professionals navigating environments that demand consistent performance, productivity, and responsibility. While these individuals often excel in their careers, they may privately struggle with stress, emotional reactivity, or difficulty disconnecting from work-related pressures.

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Individuals in high-responsibility roles may experience:

• persistent anxiety about performance or expectations
• frustration or anger related to workplace dynamics
• difficulty maintaining balance between work and personal life
• burnout from prolonged stress and responsibility

 

Dr. Ryan works with individuals to understand how these pressures interact with their emotional patterns and personal history. Through therapy, clients often develop strategies that allow them to maintain ambition and professional success while also improving their emotional well-being and sense of direction.

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ADHD, Emotional Regulation, and Personal Growth

Dr. Ryan has a particular interest in supporting adults with ADHD and related executive functioning challenges. Many individuals with ADHD possess strong creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities while also experiencing difficulty with organization, motivation, or emotional regulation. These challenges can sometimes lead individuals to feel frustrated with themselves or misunderstood by others.

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Dr. Ryan helps clients explore how ADHD influences their behavior, emotional responses, and relationships. Therapy often focuses on building systems and strategies that support how the ADHD brain naturally operates rather than forcing individuals to conform to rigid expectations.

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Through this process, many clients develop greater confidence in their abilities while learning how to manage the challenges associated with ADHD more effectively.

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Dr. Ryan’s Approach to Therapy

Ryan approaches therapy as a collaborative and thoughtful process that integrates evidence-based psychological approaches with practical insight. He believes that meaningful change often occurs when individuals develop a clearer understanding of the patterns that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

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His approach emphasizes:

• exploring underlying emotional and psychological patterns
• developing practical coping strategies
• strengthening emotional regulation skills
• helping clients align their actions with their long-term goals and values

 

Dr. Ryan aims to create a therapeutic environment where individuals feel comfortable exploring both their struggles and their strengths while developing a clearer sense of direction in their lives.

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Professional Background

Dr. Ryan received his Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) and works under the supervision of licensed psychologist Dr. Jacob Ambrose at Restore Psychology. His training includes work with individuals experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation challenges.

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In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ryan is interested in helping people better understand psychological science and how it applies to everyday life. Similar to Dr. Jacob Ambrose, he creates educational content that translates complex psychological concepts into practical ideas that individuals can use to better understand their behavior, emotions, and relationships.

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His work focuses on bridging the gap between psychological research and real-world experiences so that individuals can apply psychological insight in meaningful and practical ways.

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Working With Dr. Ryan

Ryan works with adults who are interested in developing greater clarity, emotional stability, and direction in their lives. Many of his clients appreciate his thoughtful and collaborative style as well as his ability to connect psychological ideas to everyday experiences.

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Through therapy, individuals often gain a deeper understanding of themselves while developing practical strategies for navigating challenges in work, relationships, and personal growth. Dr. Ryan blends his training with a down-to-earth, collaborative style that empowers clients by balancing a strengths-based approach with honest and kind reflection. He believes therapy should be both transformative and enjoyable, and he is committed to creating a trusting, engaging experience that fosters lasting growth—with some laughs thrown in for good measure.​

More from Dr. Ryan

Meet Dr. Ryan

Meet Dr. Ryan

Contact Us

Finding the right therapist in San Diego is essential to make sure you feel safe and supported when you're moving towards growth.

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The easiest way to schedule an appointment with our therapists is to fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you within 2 business days.

 

Therapy for California residents only

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