(she/her)
Hello, I’m Rachel Williamson, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in mental health. I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, life transitions, and complex emotional challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. I hold bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. My clinical approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also integrate Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma , Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Experiential Therapy to meet each client’s unique needs. My background includes working with individuals struggling with substance use , chronic mental health, and general life changes. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to grow, heal, and move forward.
In our first session, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect or how to begin. That’s completely okay—there’s no pressure to have everything figured out. We’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll ask some questions about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and any past experiences with counseling. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with—this is your space, and we’ll move at your pace. I’ll also explain how I work, including the therapeutic approaches I use, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing. We’ll talk about what therapy might look like for you specifically, and begin identifying some initial goals or areas of focus. Most importantly, I want you to leave the first session feeling a sense of connection and hope. Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or just unsure of what’s next, we’ll begin building a path forward—together.
As a therapist, one of my greatest strengths is creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to be themselves. I understand how difficult it can be to open up about painful emotions or past experiences, and I meet each client with empathy, patience, and respect. With over a decade of experience in community mental health, I bring a deep understanding of the complex challenges people face—from trauma and anxiety to substance use and life transitions.
The individuals I see are generally feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck despite their best efforts to feel better. Many of my clients are highly compassionate people who give a lot of themselves to others—often at the expense of their own well-being. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use, and are looking for a safe, supportive space to process their experiences and begin healing. I work well with clients who are motivated to make changes but feel unsure of where to start or how to move forward. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, dealing with unresolved trauma, or simply feeling lost, I help you reconnect with your strengths and develop practical strategies to create meaningful, lasting change.
As a therapist, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients recognize and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress. I guide them in developing healthier ways of thinking and support them in practicing new behaviors that align with their goals and values.