Therapist Spotlight

Therapist Spotlight: Angie Reynolds, MA, LPC

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What do you specialize in?

I specialize in working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as adjustment issues, grief and loss, couples counseling, women’s issues, self-esteem building and career counseling utilizing strong cognitive behavioral skills.  I have specific training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy.  Having a diverse and advanced training background allows me to find the best approach for each individual client.

What do you think is important about your role as a therapist?

I think it is very important to be a non-judgmental observer when working with clients.  It is my job to work together with a client to guide them to help themselves.  I see us as a team working for the most positive outcome.  At the end of the day, it is my client’s reality and I cannot tell them what is best for them.  I can provide reflective listening and empathetic support to help them make changes that they feel are important for a healthier life.

How do you help people, in your opinion?

I believe I am a naturally empathetic person, so I genuinely care about the well-being of my clients.  I learn from my clients on a daily basis from their courage, strength and determination; I truly am grateful to do the work I do.  I consider myself very lucky to have found a career I am truly passionate about and thoroughly enjoy, and I think that comes through when I am working with my clients.

What is something that you wish people knew about your specialty, or about therapy in general?

I think the idea of therapy can be a pretty scary concept for some people.  Often, new clients come into my office and don’t know what to expect.  I think that many people are afraid of judgment and there is a societal stigma that is attached to mental illness.  I want potential clients to know that I’m down-to-earth, easy to talk to and I am here to support them without judgment.  I’m human, and even therapists have personal struggles.  I try to implement the skills I teach my clients into my own life.  I’m not omniscient and I’m fallible like every else.  I think that people can see that, which allows people to feel comfortable sharing their stories with me.

Name an influential person or experience in your life.

I have to say my most influential experience came from my work within the Wayne County Community Mental Health system.  I worked with some of the most difficult cases and managed crisis on a daily basis.  It was there that I received the highest quality training to help individuals with some of the most challenging mental illnesses.  It prepared me to help clients face some really difficult issues and honed my instincts; therefore, I’m forever grateful for all of my teachers within the community health setting.  They are some of the most dedicated, hard working people I know.  We worked together as a team, finding resources for clients and addressing different treatment options.  I learned to truly appreciate fellow clinicians’ opinions and perspectives, which helped me look at client issues from different angles to find the best approach.

I love being a Counselor.  It is an honor to help others, and it is a position I take very seriously.