Therapist at Mala Child & Family Institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan - Kiera Dressler-Reed LLMSW

Kiera Dressler-Reed, LMSW

Clinical Social Worker

Ann Arbor & Online

Hi there! I’m Kiera, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker who works with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, codependency, and life transitions. My own healing journey plays a big role in how I show up in this work, and has taught me to sit with others in a way that’s honest, compassionate, and hopeful.

My Approach

I center my practice on the belief that (barring a few exceptions) people intuitively have in them what is needed to live the life they desire. But fear, trauma, shame, and life’s stressors can bury that inner strength so deeply that it’s hard to find on our own—and that’s where therapy comes in. My role is to help uncover what’s already there and work together to clear whatever’s getting in the way.

My approach is collaborative, strength-based, and holistic. I aim to create a space where every client can show up as their full, authentic self, without fear of judgment. I emphasize the mind-body connection, the impact of early life experiences, and the importance of building sustainable coping strategies that work for you. My aim as a therapist isn’t to promise constant happiness—it’s to remind you that you already carry the strength to get through adversity without losing sight of yourself along the way.

My mission

More than anything, my hope is for people to know that they’re never alone, and they’re never “too far gone” to ask for help. We aren’t meant to do this life alone. I won’t ask anyone to go somewhere I haven’t been or wouldn’t be willing to go myself. I truly believe in our capacity to grow, heal, and change–and it’s an honor to walk alongside my clients as they work to build the life they desire.

Outside of Work

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me watching a true crime documentary with my husband and our two dogs and cat, hanging out with friends and family, spending time outdoors, or lifting weights at the gym.

  • Licensed Master Social Worker; issued 2025

    Limited Licensed Master Social Worker; issued 2023

    University of Michigan, Master of Social Work with a focus in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse; 2023

    Michigan State University, Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies; 2018

    • Anxiety, phobias & OCD

    • Addiction & substance abuse

    • Codependency

    • Coping skills

    • Depression, self-harm, & suicidality

    • Grief & loss

    • Life transitions

    • Relationship difficulties

    • Self esteem & body image

    • Spirituality

    • Trauma & PTSD

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Attachment-Based Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

    • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

    • Family Systems

    • Integrative

    • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    • Mindfulness & Meditation

    • Psychodynamic

    • Relational

    • Strengths-Based

  • Individuals & Groups
    Preteen, Teen, & Adults

    My practice is firmly rooted in the acceptance and allyship of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, physical and cognitive abilities, immigration and citizenship statuses, socio-economic statuses, body sizes, and other marginalized identities.

  • Ann Arbor Office & Remote

Close-up of green leaves on a plant against a light background.

Get to know Kiera

  • Therapy is such a powerful tool, and the more you attend, the more you realize how much there is left to explore. It’s a constant process of learning and unlearning, but it’s some of the most important work you’ll ever do because your greatest project in this life is yourself. Like peeling back layers of an onion, with each layer you grow more and more into the most authentic version of you. More often than not, you learn that some of the burden you’ve been carrying all this time is not your weight to bear. Maybe it's time to lighten the load?

  • There are so many good ones to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites:

    • “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” -Mary Oliver

    • “We cannot shame ourselves into change. We can only love ourselves into evolution.”

    • “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

    • “Pain travels through families until someone is willing to feel it.”

    • “Don’t quit before the miracle happens.”

    • I’m the child of two immigrants

    • I played water polo competitively when I was younger. Now, I love watching sports (particularly the NFL and especially the Lions!)

    • I used to be a full-time graphic designer. Now, it’s my reminder that we’re allowed to change our mind and re-route our path anytime we want

    • I was always the kid who wanted to add another pet to the family—I think so far I’ve had: 7 dogs, 4 cats, 3 hamsters, 3 turtles, and many fish!

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

    Aetna