Hidden Gems: Meet Steven Reigns, LMFT of Therapy For Adults

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Reigns, LMFT.

Hi Steven, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a West Los Angeles-based therapist who specializes in couples counseling, relationship issues, and anxiety. I’ve always believed in the power of therapy to help people in crisis, and, after a long and winding road, am finally following my vocation. I remember reading advice columns growing up and wondering about the turmoil people experience and how they find ways to move on. I’m grateful to those long-ago agony aunts and uncles because they taught me how to address often complex issues in a direct and helpful manner, as well as inspiring me to undertake formal training.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Does anyone travel a straight, smooth road in life?! Like most people, I took one step at a time, let my heart and gut guide me, and somehow found my way. I came of age at the tail end of the AIDS crisis. One of my best friends was dying of the disease and I tried for a short time to be his caregiver. I was too young and unable to handle it. After his death, I quit my day job and traveled around for a few months working odd jobs: on the door at a club, at a yoga center, a magazine columnist. Eventually, I realized it’s calmest in the eye of the storm and went to work for an AIDS service organization. There, I felt I could make a direct contribution. I educated, tested, and counseled people on HIV. I ran programs and presented at national conferences for a decade, personally counseling and educating at least three thousand people. Towards the end of this time, I noticed more people presenting with anxiety than demonstrating high-risk behavior. The twenty-minute counseling sessions I was offering didn’t allow for the transformative inner work these people needed. So, I studied for my MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. It was a great educational experience and a few years ago, I received their alumni award.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
One of my big takeaways from my studies was the need to address overlapping issues, such as HIV and addiction. People are often struggling with multiple traumas and good therapy addresses complex, intersectional needs. After completing my degree, I provided group and individual therapy at the Matrix Institute for Addiction, where I was deeply moved by the support offered by partners and loved ones in family group meetings. I began to specialize in relationship dynamics, continuing my education through Esther Perel’s workshops. When the Matrix office closed, I started a private practice specializing in relationship issues, anxiety, and addiction.

My therapeutic practice comes in equal parts from formal academic study and lived experience. I fully empathize with clients who come to me with relationship stress, conflict, and anxiety. I understand how they feel robbed of the joy of human connection, dating and being in love and how their pain relates to destabilizing cheating and addiction issues. My job is to guide them back towards emotional health (and the happiness that comes with it!) by exploring the relationship dynamics, reactions, and attachment issues that shape their interactions with others. Together, we work towards changing problematic behaviors.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
There are so many ways to be a therapist. Find a modality and area that you have a natural affinity for and develop your talents in that sector. As with anything in life, it will take a while for the puzzle pieces to fit together. Seek support, and guidance from friends, family members, and fellow therapists.

Pricing:

• $250 Individual Session
• $300 Couples Session

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.therapyforadults.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapyforadults
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TherapyForAdults/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc7DDZjC-QBf6GhijldU6cQ

Image Credits:
Profile image by: Jared Fortunato, Standing photo by: Larry Geller