About

Hi! First of all, thank yourself for reaching out for help. It takes a lot of courage to do so, especially when things are tough. My name is Missy Reed, and I am a licensed therapist. I have experience assisting clients with a variety of needs to gain clarity and direction. My approach is never critical or judgmental, but always kind and empathetic. I will strive to attentively listen to your needs and concerns, and to creatively help you find solutions.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed clinical addictions specialist in the state of North Carolina. I have spent most of my life in this state, and enjoy all that it has to offer, from the beautiful beaches to the gorgeous mountains. I enjoy staying active and trying new things, such as surfing, and other water sports. I strive to spend time each day doing the following: engaging in a mindful activity, moving my body, laughing, reading, and connecting with someone else.

I have 9 years of experience working with individuals with mental health and substance use concerns. I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2005 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees, in Archaeology and Classical Studies. I also majored in Anthropology. I am fascinated by other cultures and the diversity of life. I spent three months in Greece working on an archaeology dig because the possibility of gaining even a morsel of understanding from an ancient culture intrigued me. My desire to learn, and curiosity about others led me to the field of social work, where advocating for, and assisting others is the goal. I attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and gained my Master’s in Social Work in 2016. I also became one of the first students to attain a certificate in substance use disorders and addictions during my graduate studies. My graduate internship was with the university, where I was afforded the opportunity to work closely with college students. Towards the end of my studies, I was awarded the “Making a Difference in North Carolina” award for a project aimed at reducing mental health stigma.
Over the past four years, I have worked in both an inpatient and an outpatient setting, gaining valuable experience with a variety of client needs. I have worked with clients who have struggled with various symptoms and diagnoses, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, addiction, trauma, conflicts within relationships, and more.

I take an eclectic approach to therapy, which allows me flexibility as I develop treatment plans catered to each client’s needs. I work from a strengths-based, solution-focused model because I strongly believe that each client has the innate ability to heal and can find answers to any problem or troubling situation. I utilize evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I work from a trauma-informed orientation, as many clients have experienced one or more traumatic events, which have drastically shaped their lives. Often, these events have led to shame-based beliefs, cognitive distortions, and behavior patterns that tend to interfere with every aspect of the client’s life. I work to help the client identify these detrimental beliefs and patterns, look for effective solutions, and implement new skills with practical application. I am also trained in EMDR, a powerful, evidence-based technique to heal deep trauma wounds. I am currently engaged in a course to become a certified clinical telemental health provider.

When working with a client, I continually assess the client’s progress and adjust techniques and approaches, as necessary. I build rapport quickly and easily with most clients, and offer them a warm, inviting, and safe space. I have found that this atmosphere is conducive to deep healing. I believe that the best client outcomes occur when clients implement new techniques and methods and practice them outside of session. I strongly suggest homework assignments for clients to complete or practice between sessions, and I follow up with their progress.

If it sounds as if I may be a good fit as your therapist, please reach out. I look forward to hearing from you!