Cara Miller
Cara Miller, LMSW-C (she/her)
Where she studied:
BA Psychology and Dance - Emory University
Master of Social Work in Interpersonal Practice - University of Michigan
EMDR Certified Therapist - EMDR International Association
What she does at Reset Brain and Body:
Clinical Supervisor & Therapist
Location:
Northville
Meet Cara…
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who is looking to understand themselves better and is curious about why they do what they do and what makes them tick. This can mean folx who are noticing patterns in their relationships, their thinking, their responses to things, etc. that they want to understand and possibly change, as well as folx who are trying to make or find meaning out of things that have happened to them.
Additionally, trauma is my specialty and I define trauma very broadly - experiencing something that was too much for too long, too little for too long, or too much too soon. I have extensive experience with survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and childhood trauma. I also love working with other helping professionals, fellow therapists in particular.
Why do you like being a therapist?
I love connecting with other people in deeper ways that go beyond small talk and I really enjoy helping people make sense of all the puzzle pieces that make up who they are. I'm a big believer in the idea that we all make sense and I love helping people make sense of themselves.
What's something you wish people knew about therapy?
That therapy can be messy and awkward and uncomfortable at times, and that that is ok. I also want people to know that the relationship between you and your therapist is the most important thing about therapy, so if something isn't clicking, then it's ok to move on. Even the most skilled therapist might not be the *right* person for you.
Why can people benefit from therapy?
Because therapy is often about expanding perspectives and as smart and capable as people are, it's difficult sometimes to have perspective about ourselves. Also, most of the time, people change when they feel safe enough to do so and therapy at it's core is about creating and fostering that sense of safety and connection within ourselves and with other people.
What's something you'd like clients to know about you (or how you work)?
I love learning as a therapist, so don't be surprised if I'm frequently sharing about a new theory I just learned about, a book I've been reading, or an exercise I found. I really enjoy talking about attachment and first relationships, polyvagal theory and understanding our nervous systems, and ego state/parts/inner child work (all parts of you are welcome in this space.) I also find it very important to understand people within the context of their environments, so I find it important to examine the role that various systems (oppressive or otherwise) have in our lives.
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Describe your perfect Sunday (or rainy day)
Time outside - on a walk, at a park, going for a bike ride - or just bouncing around the city with my family.
What is your favorite place?
Near the water
What’s something that you’ve learned about yourself recently?
That I love weight lifting! And also, apparently I'm a birder now. (Quarantine did strange things to us, didn't it?)
Other than mental health, what is something you’re passionate about?
Food! Food is my love language.
Do you collect anything?
Earrings, books, plants
Specialties:
Anxiety
Coping skills
Folx trying to break generational cycles
Life transitions
Other helping professionals and fellow therapists
Relationships
Self-esteem
Self-harming
Stress
Trauma
Women’s health
Works with:
Adults
Young adults
Teens
Intervention styles:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Ego State Work, EMDR, Empowerment-Based and Strengths-Based Therapy, Integrative/Holistic Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, Systems Approach
Rates:
$165/55 minute session individuals - accepts BCBSM PPO
Cara Miller