Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the District of Columbia, North Carolina and South Carolina. I received my Masters Degree from The University of Maryland Baltimore and have been practicing social work for 20 years. Life can be a roller coaster and we all need assistance at times for this journey. It is my pleasure to assist individuals with utilizing healthy methods of well being through a strength based and compassionate perspective.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
There will be introductions and I would also be open for the client to ask any questions about my introduction. We would then discuss the presenting concern and expectations of therapy. This would open the door for the directions of further sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Being that I have experience over the years of working with various populations. I feel it has taught me compassion, understanding and to work with individuals and families from a place of non-judgement. As I continue to fine tune my work with women , I believe my capacity grows to meet individuals where they are comfortable for optimal success in the therapeutic relationship.
About Esther Williams
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Mind-body approach
I allow the client to express how a certain matter impacts them in daily life. We have a discussion of how they envision peace and what makes them feel comfortable. The client chooses things they would like to do such as relaxation techniques ( deep breathing) , meditation as we center for a few minutes at a time. I explain to the client not to feel pressure to empty their mind of all thoughts but just take it one step at a time to slowly release anxiety. Clients are also encouraged to develop their creativity in activities such as art therapy and crafts. When clients are expressing levels of anxiety and depression as a therapist I encourage taking small steps such as research one place where you can make pottery and I assist also. By the next session, we can plan that the client will schedule to take a class. Or a client can make a goal to walk for 20 minutes twice between one session to the next session.
Compassion Focused
As some clients battle with self esteem and self worth, compassion focused therapy allows them grace with self. The session with the client is centered on self forgiveness to allow for compassion. It also focuses on compassion towards others which will lessen the need to judge self and others. Hopefully this will allow the client to be free in their own minds and bodies so they can live through compassion.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As a therapist I firmly believe that you cannot be effective without being open to where a client feels culturally comfortable. I enjoy learning of other cultures and being able to connect through being sensitive to various cultures. It is my goal that through being open this allows the client to develop a trustful relationship for the optimal therapeutic relationship.
Faith based therapy
The is imperative in some clients as in some instances they have been told not to seek help outside of their faith. In taking the steps to seek therapy it is very important that they know said therapist will respect their stance on their faith and be able to identify the importance. I use it to build trust , to help the client identify how it can be combined with methods to meet their therapeutic goals.
Strength-Based
This is one of my favorite therapeutic methods in that it gives clients a glimpse that grows into their limitless possibilities. As the therapeutic process develops clients begin to see and grow in their strengths , their dreams and aspirations are seen as being obtainable. Clients are encouraged in goal setting and obtaining thos set goals by their confidence building and belief of self.