About
Dear Readers,
This year (2017), I gave birth to my second child. As a result, I took a break from seeing clients in the full-time psychotherapy/clinical social work practice that I have built over the last 8 years. It has been during this reprieve and magical postpartum period, that a settling down and crystalizing of ideas has led me to start this site. Also, my husband and some of my clients suggested I start a blog. 😊
Over the years, I have provided over 10,000 hours of professional therapy to hundreds of people, and counting! I also love providing professional supervision to new therapists. My career has been one of the greatest gifts, also greatest responsibilities of my life. My mind is blown doing this work, almost every day! So often I ask myself: what am I going to do with all the important information that goes along with my work? Write a book? Maybe. Write a blog? Probably a good starting point and in line with my goal: to reach more people who are seeking therapy or assistance in this realm and for those who are providing therapy, to get important and helpful information in this field that is messy, beautiful, challenging, dynamic, and changing with each tick of the clock.
While the site is divided into reader-driven categories for organization’s sake, through writing from this perspective my intention is that any reader gain valuable information from any post. After all, we are all just people trying to figure this crazy world out! I plan to write maybe a post a week to get started, so bear with me as I build. Chasing an almost 4-year-old around while wearing a newborn doesn’t leave much room for a keyboard! I hope to cover a wide range of topics; from the logistics of therapy and how things (should) work, to body image and the relationship people have with food, to changing negative core beliefs that may be at the root of painful, stubborn patterns, my experience both professionally and personally presents a unique and hopefully helpful perspective to share.
The need for this type of resource becomes apparent in many conversations that I have with clients, especially new clients. While the stigma surrounding therapy and mental health issues in general is dissipating very slowly, people still do not have basic information regarding how to get the right type of help. This almost always means that people need to get better on their own just to rise to the complex task of accessing assistance. Makes no sense! and sadly for many, doesn’t work. While some people who seek help are struggling, many are more than struggling- they are suffering. This is serious stuff! And high stakes. Most, even complex mental health disorders are treatable and recovery should be the goal. While generally we know what treatments should be helpful for which clients, and the right treatment is highly effective, our current system of care is a mess and too often things don’t play out as they should. Systems of care are unconscionably complex and even therapists themselves need to learn even some very basic skills and info., as they go. In these circumstances, we all lose.
Bottom Line: If you are considering seeking therapy and don’t know where to start, read this blog. If you have any interest in the therapeutic process, read this blog. If you are a therapist, of any experience level, my goal is that the information I present will enhance your practice and your life. Anyone who is seeking growth, healing, and/or understanding, my hope is that this blog can be a helpful part of your process. And the best part: nowhere on this site, will I ask you to pay for anything before I get to the point!
While I am licensed to practice clinical social work and to provide psychotherapy and clinical supervision, independently and at the highest level in the state of New York, this blog does not intend to provide actual therapy of any kind or substitute for, supersede, or interfere in any way with the very important process of communicating with one’s own therapist. This blog also does not intend to provide or take the place of the essential experience of formal clinical supervision or also very important peer supervision that all therapists need.
A note on confidentiality: Confidentiality is a vital part of the therapeutic relationship. I will not be writing about specific clients or including any identifying information that could jeopardize or call into question any person’s confidentiality. Any resemblance to words spoken in sessions, past or present, would be highly generalized, coincidental, and unintentional. Any reference to my personal life will be done with the highest level of sensitivity both to my loved ones and with regards to, as a therapist my “use of self”.
Further disclaimer: In case you haven’t already picked up on it, I am so passionate about this stuff and people! at times this translates to what one could call therapist nerding out. Not offended if you skim! I will include at the end of each post, a “bottom line” to maximize usability, and sometimes helpful mantras. Thank you for taking the time to read!
Why do I feel like saying “Namaste?”
Blogging is weird! 😊
Take care,
Alisa Reed, LCSW-R
If you are experiencing any type of crisis, please call your local crisis response line or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255.
If you or someone you know is at imminent risk for safety in any way, please call 911 immediately.