We were lucky to catch up with Dwan Reed, Phd., Lcsw-s recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dwan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

As a practitioner in holistic therapy, I employ an integrative approach that addresses the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul. It is common for clients to grapple with conditions such as depression and anxiety, and I underscore the significance of evaluating physical well-being in conjunction with emotional welfare. My observations have revealed that conditions such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies can impede an individual’s sense of contentment. Moreover, I emphasize the pivotal role of diet and exercise in surmounting emotional hurdles.

During my practice, I encountered a young man who, despite efforts to resolve interpersonal issues and past traumas, continued to contend with depression. Suspecting underlying testosterone irregularities, I referred him to a neurologist, who diagnosed a neurological ailment impacting his mood and sexual function. Following appropriate treatment, he experienced marked improvements in both his physical and psychological well-being, ultimately averting a contemplated suicide. He expressed profound gratitude for the assistance he received, acknowledging its indispensable contribution to saving his life.

Dwan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I spent my formative years in a challenging family environment characterized by significant dysfunction. My mother grappled with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Meanwhile, my father, who possessed a college education, was involved in illicit activities, including pimping, drug dealing, and fraudulent real estate dealings, accumulating substantial wealth in the process. Following their divorce when I was eight, my mother assumed the primary caregiving role for my younger sister and me, although my father remained involved in our lives. Furthermore, my grandmother, whom I cherished deeply, battled paranoid schizophrenia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Growing up in such circumstances, I found myself compelled to comprehend the intricacies of human behavior and the factors influencing individuals’ life choices. This quest for understanding became imperative for my survival in an environment where adults often exhibited immature behaviors, requiring children to assume adult responsibilities. Consequently, I developed a keen interest in psychology.

Subsequently, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri and pursued a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver. While my initial intention was to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I temporarily postponed further academic pursuits to focus on raising my children. My passion for family and couples counseling eventually steered me toward a Ph.D. program in marriage and family therapy at Northcentral University.
I opened my private practice in 2016. My practice encompasses individual, couple, family, and group counseling, with specialized proficiency in relationship counseling. Many therapists may eschew working with couples and families due to a range of factors, including their own relationship-related obstacles, the inherent unpredictability and conflict that accompany such cases, and comparatively lower recompense from insurance providers for couple therapy. The demands of couple therapy often result in higher rates of professional exhaustion compared to working with individuals, leading to a transient presence of proficient couple therapists in the field. My expertise in this domain is underpinned by a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, complemented by personal experiences within my own marriage. I have honed an array of skills and techniques, detailed in a comprehensive guide available on my website, http://www.hatemymarriage.com. This manual offers guidance tailored to individuals of the Christian faith who may be experiencing marital discontent but seek ways to foster enduring happiness within their union. Over the years, I have successfully assisted numerous couples in preserving their marriages.

My area of expertise includes self-esteem development. I was raised in an environment where I endured verbal abuse. My mother, who suffers from mental illness, communicated with me in a manner reminiscent of her own mother, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. She frequently referred to me as a “heifer” and remarked, “You’re just like your father!” My mother struggled to overcome the infidelity of my father, who had engaged in an extramarital affair with his Caucasian secretary. Due to my resemblance to my father, my mother directed her anger towards him at me. Despite my father being a sociopath, he displayed considerable kindness. However, the impact of my mother’s harshness left me with enduring emotional wounds. In my early twenties, I sought therapy to address my self-esteem issues. My therapist advised that with consistent effort, I could expect to observe improvements in my self-esteem within approximately two years. Her prediction proved accurate. Through therapy, self-esteem strategies, personal achievements, and my spiritual journey, I experienced a notable enhancement in my self-perception. Drawing from my personal journey of self-improvement, I developed a comprehensive self-esteem course available at https://www.fierceselfesteem.com/courses/fierce-self-esteem. This course comprises over 57 modules addressing various aspects of self-esteem, including instructional videos, practical skills, tips, techniques, and associated assignments.

One of the aspects of my professional practice that I take great pride in is my non-judgmental approach and the emphasis I place on meeting individuals at their current stage in life. I am a firm believer in initiating small changes initially, as these gradual adjustments can evolve into habits and eventually lead to substantial transformations. Our world presents numerous challenges, particularly for my younger clients in their twenties who are realizing that navigating work and relationships is more arduous than they had anticipated, surpassing the difficulties faced by previous generations. Sustaining employment at a single organization is a formidable task, often without proportional financial compensation for the hours invested. Furthermore, many are grappling with partners who carry significant past traumas and struggle with effective communication within the relationship.

Clients in their thirties and forties frequently find themselves in a struggle to ascend the corporate hierarchy while endeavouring to strike a balance between their professional commitments, personal relationships, and familial responsibilities. They often question why they are unable to achieve the contentment and material prosperity seemingly enjoyed by their peers. Those in their fifties are confronted with the challenges of fractured relationships, unmet aspirations for their children, health complications, and unrealized dreams. Life presents formidable obstacles for the majority, underscoring the significance of a therapist who embodies non-judgmental, professional, affectionate, and optimistic qualities. Life is replete with opportunities, and effective therapy coupled with diligent effort can effectuate change in seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Life can be wonderful!

A bit more:

I am professionally certified in anxiety and trauma treatment, particularly in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, I hold a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-S, LICSW) with over two decades of experience in providing therapy to individuals, couples, groups, and families. As the author of the relationship survival book available at Hatemymarriage.com, I have extensive experience in helping clients explore alternative methods to address anxiety and depression, often opting for non-pharmaceutical interventions. Furthermore, I am a certified herbalist, master gardener, and yoga practitioner. My expertise also includes training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and certification as a facilitator for Prepare/Enrich, a program for marital and premarital counseling. My focus is on assisting couples in resolving conflicts and attaining their desired relationship outcomes. Personally, I have been happily married for 33 years and am a proud mother of two young adults and two pets.

Dr. Reed offers individual, couple, family, and group counseling services in Texas, Connecticut, Arizona, and Minnesota. Additionally, I provide coaching services nationwide for topics such as self-esteem, brain health, and unresolved maternal issues.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

It is crucial to acquire the necessary knowledge for managing a business. In the realm of human services graduate programs, such as counseling, psychology, social work, and marriage and family therapy, the curriculum often focuses on preparing individuals for employment rather than entrepreneurship. Consequently, many proficient therapists struggle as business owners, which hinders their financial success. It is imperative to seek out avenues for acquiring this essential knowledge, whether through formal education, professional coaching, or mentorship.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputable standing within the market can be attributed to my holistic approach, characterized by a direct yet empathetic demeanor that challenges individuals to grow. Furthermore, my extensive knowledge and experience in diverse counseling methodologies such as Trauma-focused therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization), Christian counseling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Intergenerational Family Therapy have significantly contributed to my standing within the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: elysiancounseling.com, hatemymarriage.com, https://www.fierceselfesteem.com/courses/fierce-self-esteem
• Instagram: dr_dwan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwancounseling/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwan-milam-reed-phd-lcsw-s-6391b717
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dwanreed
• Other: Tik Tok –
  https://www.tiktok.com/@drdwanreed?_t=8qk745mzuYN&_r=1https://www.tiktok.com/@hatemymarriage?_t=8qk7D2oUHTn&_r=1

Image Credits

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