Michele M Reed MSW
Michele M Reed MSW
How I Work
Welcome to an overview of my therapeutic approach, which is centered on creating a secure and confidential environment that encourages openness and deep self-exploration. Here’s a closer look at how I work with individuals, adolescents, and couples.
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For Individuals
In psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, a space is created in which you can potentially feel safe and free to express whatever is on your mind. My role is to listen attentively and interact in ways that broaden our exploration of your thoughts and feelings. Beyond addressing immediate concerns, I pay attention to how unconscious elements—such as desires, fears, inhibitions, and other emotions—manifest in various aspects of your life, including dreams, life choices, and sometimes physical symptoms.
Our sessions often delve into how current feelings and experiences, which are often painful, are shaped by significant events from your childhood. By bringing the unconscious into consciousness, we can work together to overcome repetitive and potentially disruptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, which can hinder self-acceptance, personal fulfillment, and success in various aspects of life.
02
For Adolescents
Adolescence is a critical time for discussing physical, emotional, and social challenges. I presently see older adolescents (17yrs +). While I respect adolescents' need for independence, I may engage with parents based on the adolescent's age and specific circumstances, all the while working collaboratively with the adolescent. It is important that teenagers feel supported in a way that respects their growing autonomy while still benefiting from their parents’ love, interest, and involvement. Group discussions involving parents and adolescents can be part of fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels heard..
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For Couples
Couple therapy focuses on recognizing and respecting each individual's identity while nurturing their relationship, which was originally created to sustain them. We explore how significant past experiences influence present interactions and examine habitual patterns that may be detrimental to the relationship. My approach helps couples move from states of conflict and alienation to increased insight, empathy, authenticity, and intimacy.
Developing insight and exploring the impact of unconscious elements helps each individual to understand and own his/her contribution to the relationship difficulties. Mourning losses and working through relationship challenges are also key components of this process.
Getting Started
Making the decision to begin therapy is a significant step towards self-discovery and healing. If you are contemplating this journey, I invite you to initiate the process by scheduling an initial consultation with me.
What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation
The purpose of the initial consultation is to provide a mutual opportunity to assess compatibility and establish comfort. During this session, we will discuss your current challenges, expectations, and goals for therapy. This is also the time for you to learn more about my therapeutic approach and how it might address your needs.
Scheduling Your Consultation
Please feel free to contact me to arrange a time that suits you best. If you email me, please include your phone number, and I will call you. I always have an initial brief conversation to understand your situation and to arrange a time to meet, if that appears to be the next step. The consultation phase (1-3 sessions) is an important step in ensuring that we are the right fit for each other. Meeting in person is preferable, however, meeting via Zoom is an option, when
necessary and mutually agreed upon.
Moving Forward
Should we both feel that my approach aligns well with your needs, we will discuss the next steps, frequency of sessions, and any other details to set the course for our work together. Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy are collaborative endeavors, and I am here to support and facilitate your path to improved understanding and growth.
I look forward to the possibility of working together and embarking on this transformative journey with you. Please reach out to begin with your initial consultation.