Natania Reed, MSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker – ACSW #119749
Child & Adolescent Specialty Practice Pre-Licensed Therapist – Supervised by Monica Valdivia Aguilar Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 41352)
Hello and welcome! I am a therapist with the Institute’s Child and Adolescent Specialty Program (CASP). I have a deep-seated passion for nurturing the growth and healing of children and teens as they navigate this complex world, grapple with stressors, and find their inner voice and unique strengths. My mission is to cultivate a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where young people can authentically explore their emotions, build resilience, and feel seen and heard.
In my therapeutic work, I employ a collaborative, relational, and strengths-based approach, meeting clients where they are at and providing a sanctuary for them to express themselves openly. I approach clients with curiosity and a profound respect for their autonomy and agency. We are all unique individuals and there is no one-size-fits-all model for therapy, so I integrate different modalities into psychotherapy as appropriate, including play, trauma processing, creative expression, mentalization, mindfulness, and behavioral interventions like DBT and CBT. I believe strongly in the profound significance of connection, culture, and community and the transformative power of relationships. I aim to empower my clients to enrich these bonds, which in turn supports their growth and ability to thrive.
My background is rooted in psychodynamic and attachment-based principles, focusing on understanding how past experiences influence current functioning and emotional states. Additionally, as a social worker, I work from an anti-oppressive lens and encourage an exploration of how social structures and sociocultural context impact clients and their families.
It’s an honor to bear witness to clients as they find healing and empowerment. I am privileged to be able to join you and your family on this journey!
Specialties:
I’m committed to empowering my clients and their families to build their capacity to thrive in the face of life’s challenges, including:
- Anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Depression and Mood Disturbances
- Self-Esteem and Self-Image
- Perfectionism
- Emotional Regulation
- OCD and Phobias
- Attachment Disruptions and Relational Difficulties
- Self-Injury or Suicidal Ideation
- Identity Exploration
Approaches:
My therapeutic framework is eclectic and holistic, and utilizes the following modalities:
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Mindfulness & Somatic Approaches
- Play Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mentalization-Based Therapy
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Additional Information about my Specialties:
I am particularly enthusiastic about working with trauma. Processing and recovering from traumatic experiences can be daunting and requires sensitivity and compassion. I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories.
Complex trauma can lead to emotional dysregulation, feelings of worthlessness and shame, difficulty connecting with others, and poor self-esteem. In my practice, I integrate psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address these issues and work on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I am also trained in EMDR, an evidence-based approach to processing traumatic experiences. My goal is to empower clients to reclaim their sense of safety and control, fostering resilience and healing.
Advanced Training:
- EMDR Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Dr. Christie Sprowls
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, Anxiety, and Phobias
- Reflective Parenting Training, Level One with the Center for Reflective Communities
Other Current Professional Activities:
- American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work (AAPCSW)
- American Psychological Association (APA) Division 39, Society for Psychoanalysis & Psychoanalytic Psychology
Prior Experience:
- Green Dot Public Schools
- Community West Treatment Center
Education:
- Master of Social Work, Smith College School for Social Work
- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Occidental College
Mission:
My mission as a therapist is to empower children and teens to heal, develop resilience, and build healthy emotional regulation and coping skills in a compassionate, supportive, and curious environment.
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Email: NReed@IFGD.care
Phone: 626-585-8075 ext. 152