Ryanne - Combat and Occupational Trauma Specialist at Solutions Counseling
I'm Ryanne Stellingwerf, and I specialize in combat and occupational trauma for women who've spent their careers being the one who handles it, veterans, first responders, ER staff. I spent 7 years living and working in a combat zone in the Middle East before I became a therapist, so when you tell me what your job did to you, I'm not guessing.
My approach
My approach comes from my own clinical practice, not a textbook. That includes EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, a tapping-based therapy method), for when talking alone doesn't turn off a body that's stuck on high alert, personalized recovery planning built around what actually helps you rest and reset, and identity work for the parts of you that existed before the job. Your training kept you and the people around you alive. I don't treat it as a problem to fix, we work on teaching it to stand down when you're not on the job anymore. You came here because something needs to change now, not eventually, and that's how we work.
My qualifications and experience
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Montana
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Capella University
Specialized training in Natural Health and Functional Medicine
Over 10 years of clinical experience with trauma and high-stress professions
7 years as a civilian military contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan
Creator of the Armor & Grace program and the “Conditioned Vigilance” framework
Who I work best with
Women who are used to being the exception, officers, medics, task force members, ER nurses, who have never let anything stop them until now and don't plan on starting.
What to expect in your first appointment
We'll talk about what's actually going on, what it's costing you at work and at home, not just a symptom list. Some clients walk me through exactly what happened. Others give me the short version and we work from there, both are fine. By the end of the first session, you'll know whether this approach makes sense for you, no pressure to commit past that.
Outside the office
When she's not working, Ryanne can be found working on her lavender farm, gardening, hiking, and enjoying the Montana countryside, usually with Joey, the office dog, along for the ride.
FAQ
Is Ryanne currently taking new clients? Yes
Does she only work with veterans, or does she see first responders and ER staff too? She works with all three, veterans, first responders, and ER professionals.
Can I do EFT with her over telehealth? Yes, telehealth is available across Montana.
Does she only use EFT? No. EFT is one tool in a broader approach built from her own clinical practice, alongside personalized recovery planning, post-shift transition practices, perspective retraining, and identity work outside the job.
What if I've already tried therapy with someone else and it didn't help? That's common, and it's worth a conversation. Her approach often works differently than what you may have already tried.
Ready to talk it through? Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation, no cost, no commitment. Call 406-272-4545, or fill out the contact form to get scheduled.
Joey - Need I say more?
Clients will often see “Joey,” our office companion who enjoys greeting and sitting with clients. Yes, he looks like a Chihuahua, but he is actually a Xoloitzcuintli / Papillion cross and when he isn’t at work, he will be right with Ryanne!
Contact us today by calling 406-272-4545 or clicking here to begin your journey to your healthy, amazing life!
.
