NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Ryan Rivers

I grew up in a complex system of mind control—a dynamic I would describe as a cult within a cult (controlling family dynamics within a high-demand religion). This toxic combination arose from my parents’ undiagnosed mental illnesses exploiting the rigid framework of the religion we practiced. (For more on mind control, I recommend Steven Hassan’s BITE Model of Authoritarian Control™.) 

As a child, I learned to survive by suppressing myself, silencing my voice, people-pleasing, and conforming to the many forms of control I experienced. In my family of origin, consent and boundaries were neither taught nor respected. Instead, emotional enmeshment, spiritual manipulation, and grooming were normalized. I endured emotional and spiritual abuse, as well as ritualistic sexual abuse. 

Rather than developing a healthy sense of self, I was conditioned to believe I was only lovable when I molded myself into who others wanted me to be. I suppressed my needs and desires so completely that even basic feelings like hunger triggered fear. Over time, this disconnection from myself resulted in developing narcolepsy, an autoimmune disease, and an unsuccessful suicide attempt.  

In short, life set me up to live according to others’ expectations, while deeply identifying as a victim of abuse and trauma. This survival mindset helped me navigate childhood and adolescence, but as an adult, it left me feeling unfulfilled. So, I decided to reclaim my power and author my own story.  

At a pivotal moment of reflection, I asked myself: 

Authoring My Own Story

Over the past 15 years, i have walked the path of self-discovery to create a rich and meaningful life. I have deconstructed the mind control and abuse I endured, reclaimed my power, and created a life on my own terms. I left the high-demand religion, saw my eight-year marriage come to completion, and stepped away from unhealthy family dynamics (while intentionally rebuilding select relationships). 

This journey has created a beautiful foundation to create a life on my terms. Along the way, I’ve: 

• Reparented my inner child, giving them the love they never received. 
• Found and unlocked my voice, learning how to use it with confidence.
• Felt and released emotions like betrayal, loss, anger, fear peace, joy and love.
• Healed my body from narcolepsy, an autoimmune disease.
• Redefined what being a man means.
• Redefined what love means to me and embraced healthier ways of relating.
• Built a life grounded in authenticity, self-love, and freedom.

In my 20s, I lived for others. In my 30s, I deconstructed the mind control and processed the layers of abuse and trauma. As I enter my 40s, I feel incredible anticipation for what’s to come—I’m just getting started! 

Professional Background

For eight years, I worked as an occupational therapist in nursing homes, helping residents navigate the emotional barriers that impacted their daily lives. I specialized in third-wave behavioral psychology, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on building psychological flexibility (emotional resilience) and aligning actions with personal values. 

Over time, I’ve taken those tools and combined them with the wisdom gained from my own journey of self-discovery and transformation. Today, I use this blend of professional expertise and personal experience to help others create lives that feel authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with their true selves. 

While I have a deep passion for working with men, I work with anyone who is ready to reinvent themselves, shed old conditioning, and step into their most authentic version of themselves. If you’re ready to create a life on your terms, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.