Sherpa Group founder Ryan Coley is a uniquely effective therapist and guide for young people navigating some of life’s hardest terrain. His work centers on students who are wrestling with chemical dependency, anxiety, depression, self-injuring behaviors, identity questions, and the confusing spiritual or emotional storms that often surface during adolescence and early adulthood. Rooted in a deep academic and personal background in philosophy, religion, psychology, spirituality, attachment theory, and psychoanalysis, Ryan’s approach goes far beyond symptom reduction. He is particularly interested in the powerful roles of guilt, shame, and ingrained relational patterns—and how students can learn to transform those patterns into new ways of living with integrity, purpose, and courage. Ryan has a profound respect for the 12-step tradition, drawing on its core principles—honesty, humility, service, and honoring our imperfections—as practical tools for real change. His goal is always the same: to meet each student exactly where they are, build safety and clarity, and help them take the next right step toward stability and long-term success. At the heart of Ryan’s work is a commitment to building strong, sustainable family systems. His long-term interventions focus on restoring trust, improving communication, and creating a predictable structure so that each student is supported as they find their footing and launch successfully into life. Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Utah and North Carolina. Since 2015, he has also served as a business coach, helping individuals and organizations overcome obstacles, maximize their potential, and grow with integrity. His coaching style mirrors his clinical work: direct, honest, highly relational, and uniquely grounded in what motivates real human change. Beyond therapy and coaching, Ryan is a multi-unit Crumbl franchise owner, leveraging his entrepreneurial passion to lead teams, grow healthy cultures, and build meaningful businesses. When he’s not working, Ryan is most often found with his family, enjoying the mountains, skiing, playing golf or pick-up basketball, or escaping to any destination with a beach.