Philosophy
I believe in working collaboratively with my patients in determining the direction of our work together. I use a variety of techniques and methods to find what will work best with you. I am an active therapist and invite you to become involved in your treatment choices at all times. I often recommend books to read, suggest mindfulness and relaxation routines, support groups, and refer to yoga classes, physicians, nutritionists and other practitioners as needed. If you are working with another mental health practitioner or physician, I encourage a team approach.
My intention is to serve people from all diverse backgrounds in my practice as a psychologist/psychotherapist, and that the diversity that people bring to therapy is viewed as a strength. I am committed to holding a therapeutic space that is respectful of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexuality, age, disability, socioeconomic status, religion and culture. As a cisgender, white woman, I am aware that I represent a culture that historically has attempted to suppress those who are categorized as ‘non-white” and not cisgender. I hope that together we can hold all feelings that come up in our interaction respectfully so that they can be understood and ultimately strengthen us.
I have a deep respect for the connection between mind, body, brain, and spirit. As such, I utilize a variety of methods to build awareness of thoughts, feelings, somatic sensations, and emotions. Building an awareness of each of these areas helps one to become more attuned to self and others, builds integrative brain function and leads to greater clarity, focus, and empathy.
It is an exciting time in the field of psychology, bringing together information from many disciplines that helps clinicians find the best possible ways to help our patients change, grow and thrive.
From left, Valerie Gillies, Dr. Karen Alter-Reid, and Michael Crouch, therapists with the Trauma Recovery Network of Fairfield County.
Credit Lucy Nalpathanchil / WNPR
Dr. Alter-Reid is interviewed in a NYT feature article about the impact of trauma on COVID-19 healthcare workers. Click on the logo to read the full article, published May 16, 2020.
Also listen to this podcast where Dr. Alter-Reid talks about stress during the pandemic.
Dr. Alter-Reid is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Stamford, CT. She is a clinician, teacher, specialty presenter, and consultant. Dr. Alter-Reid maintains a private practice providing treatment for individuals with acute traumatic stress conditions, anxiety, and life-cycle transitions. Her most recent work focuses on locating and healing trans-generational trauma, bringing a wider lens to her work with patients. Other specialties include working with therapists and first responders as well as retreat-based experiences integrating psychedelic medicines with EMDR Therapy. Dr. Alter-Reid employs an integrative approach which may incorporate relational psychotherapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy, stress management, sensorimotor psychotherapy and/or biofeedback. These adjunctive techniques are based on cutting-edge research in neuroscience.
Dr. Alter-Reid is the EMDR Senior Consultant to the Integrative Trauma Program at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York City (www.nipinst.org). The Integrative Trauma Program oversees the post-graduate 9-month Trauma Certificate Program as well as the EMDR Clinical Affiliate Program. In addition, Dr. Alter-Reid is on faculty in both the Integrative Trauma Program and in the 4 year analytic program.
Dr. Alter-Reid is an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Institute Regional Trainer, Consultant and Specialty Presenter, training clinicians nationally, teaching therapists and University faculty about trauma and training them in EMDR treatment.
In response to the Sandy Hook shootings, Dr. Alter-Reid coordinated the Fairfield County Trauma Recovery Network’s response. This team of seasoned trauma therapists provided treatment and training to families and first responders impacted by the shootings. You can hear the team interviewed on NPR at this link. She c0-led a team of trauma therapists for 12 years as part of a non-profit, Fairfield County Trauma Response Team.
Dr. Alter-Reid co-created a program, “Therapy for Therapists” which provides trauma treatment to clinicians working with traumatized populations. This intensive treatment approach was pioneered in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and used in other settings, including clinicians in Sandy Hook.
Dr. Alter-Reid’s work with first responders includes treatment of firefighters, state law enforcement, and special agents in the wake of disasters. She was involved in active mental health responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf Coast, and to the Christmas Day Fire in Stamford, CT.
She lectures to local organizations about how trauma affects brain function and how to seek appropriate and helpful treatment. Dr. Alter-Reid has presented on trauma and EMDR to organizations such as the CT State Police Academy, the Stamford Fire Department and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Big Oak Institute was developed by Dr. Karen Alter-Reid to bring EMDRIA-approved and general trauma training to clinicians in the Northeast and the Tri-State area. As well, Big Oak presents to local first responders and community mental health organizations.
Dr. Alter-Reid received her B.A. in Psychology at Barnard College, her M.A. in Psychology at Columbia University, and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She completed a postdoctoral certification program in Relational Psychoanalysis at the Mitchell Center in New York City. Dr. Alter-Reid has been in private practice for over 30 years.