Hi there! My name is Meagan Wills (she/her) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy to adults in California. I believe that every person possesses the inner wisdom for healing and the power to effect change in their lives. Utilizing an approach that integrates psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, internal family systems and transpersonal psychology, I partner with individuals seeking deeper satisfaction in their lives and the tools to cope effectively with challenges.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, we will start with introductions, and I will learn about your goals for therapy. I will ask questions about your history to get a better overall picture of how you're entering therapy, and together we will develop a plan for treatment that will guide our work together. I will also answer any questions you may have about the counseling process, use of insurance, communication methods, and informed consents.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Coming from a community mental health setting, I've worked with a diverse clientele with a wide array of concerns. This has equipped me with the eclectic skill set to approach my work with clients holistically, as I recognize the complexities of our lives and that there may be several areas for support. I use gold standard practices as well as emerging evidence based treatment modalities to help my clients effectively address conditions impacting their wellbeing. My style is empathetic and exploratory, and I aim to create an accepting space that is built on a foundation of trust.
About Meagan Wills
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Much of my time working with unhoused individuals involved treating complex trauma co-occurring with other chronic mental health conditions. Through this experiences, I've gained understanding about the impact of trauma on social and emotional wellbeing, the nervous system, and sense of safety in the world. I incorporate trauma informed practices to establish trust in the therapeutic relationship and support folks in experiencing new ways of relating. I am intentional about centering choice, autonomy, and personal narrative to avoid re-traumatization and provide safe space for co-regulation.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I teach mindfulness to guide you in developing awareness of what's happening within you in the present moment. Tuning into thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions as they arise can help you to slow down, understand and name you experiences, and address your present needs. Mindfulness is not just meditation; it's a way of approaching experiences, whether those be pleasant or uncomfortable. I've used mindfulness to help folks foster self-compassion and emotional insight, and reduce stress, anxiety, and negative self talk. Mindfulness is also a great tool for improving physical health, sleep, and managing pain.
Psychodynamic
Using psychodyamic therapy, I act as partner to bring unconscious material to light that is influenced by formative life experiences, often childhood, and attachment bonds. Using this perspective, I've helped individuals in connecting the past to present functioning, behaviors, and patterns of interaction. In doing so, my clients have been able to develop greater self awareness, release repressed emotions, feel more secure, and sustain healthier relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to support you in understanding the relationship between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Using CBT, my clients have been able to develop a more balanced self-image, influence their emotional states in positive ways and change behavioral patterns that are no longer in alignment with their values. CBT has been especially helpful for treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems offers individuals a way of understanding defenses with the gentleness that one would show a child. Informed by IFS principles, I assist my clients with mapping their "parts" and identifying the roles that these different aspects of their personalities have had to play to keep themselves afloat. The result is decreased attachment to the pain of these parts, more self-compassion, and ability to act from the authentic Self.
