Willow Reader, LCSW

Q&A

What inspired you to become a therapist?

My journey to becoming a therapist, like many in the field, is a personal one. I'm a trauma survivor myself, and I've supported friends and relatives with mental health and substance use issues. I know what a difference good (or not-so-good) care can make. Being a therapist allows me to leverage my life experience, skills, and strengths to make a difference in the lives of others. It's an honor to be able to do this work.

What do you feel are your greatest strengths?

I think my biggest strengths are empathy, curiosity, and a sense of humor. I'm flexible and adaptable, and I love to figure things out and examine things from every angle.

‍What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Healing from trauma isn't easy, but you can expect to be supported, positively reinforced, and cheered on every step of the way. You'll probably laugh and cry and everything in between, and I hope you'll feel genuinely cared for as a full person -- because you are! I promise to work as hard as you do, to ask questions if I don't know something, and to be transparent and kind.

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Background

• Certifications: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), WWritten Exposure Therapy (WET)
• Graduate Education: Salem State University