Alyssa Ariagno
Alyssa Ariagno, LMSW (she/her)
Where she studied:
BA Psychology - University of Michigan
Master of Social Work - University of Michigan
What she does at Reset Brain and Body:
Therapist
Location:
Ann Arbor
Meet Alyssa…
Who is your ideal client?
I welcome clients with a range of presenting concerns - from anxiety and depression, to relationship challenges, difficult life transitions, and beyond. With that said, I am passionate about supporting those navigating chronic and acute illness. As someone living with chronic illnesses, this is a special area of focus for me. I find fulfillment in addressing the unique challenges associated with various conditions and strive to bolster the inner and innate strengths of each of my clients.
Why do you like being a therapist?
We all need support from time-to-time, whether that takes the form of therapy or not. Suffering may be an unavoidable fact of life, but that does not mean it must be endured silently. I feel inspired by the resilience and growth of my clients and deeply value developing collaborative relationships formed over the course of therapy. I enjoy developing an eclectic approach to my practice, informed by the unique needs of the individual.
What’s something you wish people knew about therapy?
It is okay to feel nervous, hesitant or even conflicted about engaging in therapy initially, whether you have prior experience with therapy or not. Building trust with a clinician who you feel comfortable with can take time and patience. A client who walk into sessions with an open mind and heart, a willingness to challenge themselves, and acknowledgement of uncertainty primes themselves for fruitful inner work.
Why can people benefit from therapy?
The mind and body are intricately connected, and through therapeutic work we can increase harmony between the two. We can benefit from therapy for myriad reasons: Developing increased awareness of ourselves, finding what is inhibiting our personal growth, releasing ourselves from the past, grieving losses, regulating our nervous system under stress, increasing emotion regulation and developing an arsenal of effective coping skills, among other benefits.
What does “success” in therapy look like to you?
It is certainly a case-by-case consideration. In my mind, it boils down to both the comfort level of client and the professional insight from the therapist as to the opportune time discontinue therapy . When a client feels a sustained and improved sense of symptom relief and/or resolution from their troubles as well as increased confidence to navigate life’s challenges without the help of a therapist, then they have made formidable progress towards “graduating” from therapy.
What’s something you’d like clients to know about how you work?
My mission is to meet my clients where they are at and set realistic and attainable goals that challenge but do not overwhelm the system. I work openly with clients to determine what this looks like for them and their needs.
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What is your favorite place?
Copenhagen, Denmark
A book that you think everyone should read:
Man’s Search for meaning by Viktor Frankl
If you weren’t a mental health professional, what would you be doing?
Perhaps running a vintage clothing or record store.
Favorite quote?
The Serenity Prayer - "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
What is your favorite color?
Aubergine
If you could make a rule for a day and everyone had to follow it, what would it be?
Must incorporate a siesta in the day!
Specialties:
ADHD
Anxiety
Chronic pain and illness
Coping skills
Depression
Food and body image
Grief and loss
LGBTQ+
Life transitions
OCD
Relationships
Self-esteem
Self-harming
Sleep issues and insomnia
Stress
Substance use
Trauma
Women’s health
Works with:
Adults
Young adults
Teens (14-19)
Intervention styles:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Creative Expression/Art Therapy, DBT Skills, Enneagram, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Meditation, Mindfulness, Music Therapy, Psychodynamic, Somatic Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care
Rates:
$165/55 minute session individuals - accepts BCBSM PPO
Alyssa Ariagno