Tara Williams
I’m a therapist who believes you deserve a space where you can show up as you are, without judgment, expectations, or the pressure to have everything figured out. My style is warm, genuine, and collaborative. I will listen, hold space for the difficult emotions, and meet you where you are. At the same time, I’m not afraid to ask thoughtful questions, challenge patterns, or help you look at something from a different perspective. Who you see in session, someone who is laid back, sarcastic, loves to laugh, and is blunt, is exactly who you would meet on the street. I believe some of the most meaningful growth happens when we feel supported enough to be curious about the things that are uncomfortable. I also believe that as much as you learn from me, I will learn just as much from you; we work together, help encourage change within each other, and become better people for it. I don’t see therapy as me telling you how to live your life. You are the expert on your experiences. My role is to help you better understand yourself, recognize patterns, build skills, and discover what works for you. We work as a team; you bring your life and I bring the rest. You can expect me to be present, compassionate, curious, and honest. Therapy with me can include serious conversations, difficult emotions, reflection, humor, and celebrating the progress that might be easy to overlook. I enjoy wit and sarcasm. I will learn as much from you as you will from me. Most importantly, I want you to feel like you can be yourself. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to say or where to begin. We can figure that out together.
First session
In our first therapy session, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where the focus is on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. There is no pressure to share everything at once—this session is about starting at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We will talk about what led you to seek therapy, any current challenges you’re experiencing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may also ask questions about your background, relationships, and personal history to better understand the context of your experiences, but you are always in control of what you choose to share. This first meeting is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of my style as a therapist and ask any questions you may have about the therapy process, confidentiality, or what future sessions might look like. I encourage openness and curiosity, and I welcome any concerns or uncertainties you bring into the room. My goal in the first session is to help you feel heard, respected, and comfortable, while beginning to build a collaborative relationship where we can work together toward your goals.
Strengths
What I bring to sessions is the ability to balance compassion with meaningful challenge. I create a space where clients can feel heard, understood, and accepted while also asking thoughtful questions that encourage deeper reflection and growth. I believe therapy can be both supportive and honest and I will hold space for difficult emotions while gently challenging patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that may no longer be serving you. My approach is collaborative and genuine. Rather than telling you what to do, I help you become curious about your experiences, recognize patterns, and explore new perspectives. I want clients to feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are, knowing that our work together can include vulnerability, humor, difficult conversations, and moments of discovery. I see therapy as a place where you don’t have to have everything figured out. My role is to meet you where you are, ask the questions that help you look a little deeper, and support you as you decide what growth and change look like for you.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone navigating mental health, or simply feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of themselves. You may find yourself overthinking, struggling with motivation or focus, feeling emotionally drained, or wondering why certain patterns keep showing up in your life. You don’t need to come to therapy knowing exactly what you want to change or even how to explain what you’re feeling. I enjoy working with people who are curious about themselves, open to exploring new perspectives, and willing to learn along the way. Therapy is a place where we can ask questions, make connections, challenge old patterns, and discover what works for you. If you’re looking to better understand yourself while building tools that help you navigate life with greater confidence and intention, we may be a great fit. I especially enjoy working with people who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge beliefs that may be contributing to distress, and develop practical coping strategies that support lasting change. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and goal-oriented, empowering clients to build resilience, improve emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and equipped with tools they can use both in and outside of therapy.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build practical skills for managing intense emotions, navigating relationships, and responding to life’s challenges more effectively. DBT emphasizes finding balance by accepting yourself as you are while also working toward meaningful change. Together, we focus on developing skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help reduce emotional suffering and improve daily functioning. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, creating a safe space where clients can strengthen resilience, increase self-awareness, and build a life that aligns with their values.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop psychological flexibility by learning to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions with greater openness rather than avoidance. Instead of focusing on eliminating discomfort, ACT encourages accepting life’s challenges while committing to actions that align with personal values. Together, we explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build mindfulness skills to increase present-moment awareness, and identify meaningful goals that support lasting change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and empowering, helping clients cultivate resilience, live more authentically, and move toward a life that reflects what matters most to them.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore their own motivations for change in a supportive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I work alongside them to identify personal strengths, clarify values, and resolve ambivalence that may be preventing progress. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and encouragement, I help clients build confidence in their ability to make meaningful, lasting changes. My approach honors each client’s autonomy while fostering self-awareness, resilience, and motivation to achieve goals that align with what matters most to them.
Relational
I use relational therapy to help clients understand how past and present relationships shape their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Together, we explore patterns in relationships, attachment experiences, communication styles, and interpersonal dynamics that may be contributing to current challenges. Through a safe, authentic, and trusting therapeutic relationship, clients are encouraged to gain insight, build healthier connections, establish boundaries, and develop more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that healing often occurs through meaningful connection and increased self-awareness.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- New YorkLicense 095744