J. Elise Reichle, APSW
Advanced Practice Social Worker
Elise is an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) (Wisconsin). Originally, Elise began as a HEART graduate intern as part of her Master of Social Work (MSW) program through the Rutgers University School of Social Work.
Before joining HEART Counseling, Elise completed a year-long internship in the “Student Success Office” at a community college. Here, she provided holistic support to students facing non-academic and academic challenges. In this role, she coached students on skills such as time management, planning, organization, and study skills. In addition to individual coaching, she facilitated workshops on these topics as well as stress management and test anxiety.
True to social work values, Elise gained experience identifying and helping students access appropriate resources, as well as advocating to promote equitable access to education.
Before pursuing her MSW, Elise was a psychology major at the University of Virginia and a research assistant at the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (VCAP). There, she administered cognitive assessments and analyzed data to contribute to the understanding of COVID-19, social isolation, and cognitive functioning in older adults.
Beyond her clinical and research experience, her background includes a minor in pre-professional architecture. Thus, she is interested in how art, community, and our environments shape our wellbeing.
Why Asking for Help Matters
Elise says, “Throughout my life, I’ve had several opportunities to seek out mental health support. Nevertheless, if we’re struggling, then the idea of asking for help feels like running a marathon you never trained for. It feels rather impossible.
However, my own experiences taught me something important. Overall, having an approachable, accepting person on the other side can make that marathon feel… maybe still like a half-marathon, but a doable one.”
Elise’s Approach to Therapy
Elise wants her clients to feel seen, heard, understood, and supported.
She uses active listening, compassion, and understanding to help clients navigate life and mental health issues. Additionally, as a social worker, Elise takes a strengths-based, holistic approach to her work and aims to meet each client where they are. Above all, she values creating a non-judgmental space where clients can be their genuine selves.
Similarly, Elise believes that the relationship between a client and therapist, or the therapeutic relationship, is what fosters healing and growth.
“As someone who grew up in a culturally and politically polarized environment, I value creating a non-judgmental safe space where clients can be their genuine selves.
Additionally, I have experience supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Concurrently, I am interested in how the systems we are a part of, including our community, relationships, and environments shape wellbeing.”
~Elise~
Elise Sees:
Elise Can Accept:
Elise Is Trained In:
Elise Helps With:
To learn more about Elise and some of the topics she cares about, check out these blog posts:
