Nancy Williams, MSW, LCSW
455 I St. Suite 201A
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4186 |
The secret of health for both mind and body
is not to mourn for the past,
not to worry about the future,
or not to anticipate troubles,
but to live the present moment
wisely and earnestly.
~The Buddha
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Find Me
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Nancy Williams, MSW, LCSWPsychotherapy
About Me
Nancy Williams, LCSW As early as I can remember I wanted to be a health care provider. Working as a Home Health Aid and Nurse's Assistant deepened my desire to work with people. My first degree - An Associates of Science in Medical Assisting - increased my desire to learn about the physical healing process, so I increased my knowledge in the medical field by preparing for Nursing School.
It was in my second year of Nursing School that I became interested in social welfare and decided to change my major and pursue a B.A. in Social Work from Humboldt State University and a M.S.W. degree from Walla Walla College, Washington. My graduate studies entailed a health and mental health clinical focus and took a direct practice/systems approach to social work education by integrating theory and practicum experience.
While in Washington, I managed several contracts under Child Protective Services including Family Preservation Services, Family Reconciliation Services, and Alternative Response Services. As a home-visitor and in-office counselor within each of these programs, I gained experience working with children, at-risk teens, and families in various crisis situations including child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, behavioral issues, teen pregnancy, and relationship issues. For 2.5 years I worked at Catholic Charities as an Associate Social Worker providing psychotherapy to children, adults, families, and couples. In addition, I worked with at-risk teens in the PYRAMID (Parent Youth Recovery Anger-Management) Program. The PYRAMID Program provided substance abuse services, preventative education at area high schools, juvenile justice diversion counseling, family counseling, and support groups. I also led enrichment workshops for North Star Quest and Redwood Rhythmic Gymnastics.
As an Associate Social Worker and then Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Full Circle Center for Integrative Medicine I provided psychotherapy services to pregnant women enrolled in the Comprehensive Prenatal Services Program. I also provided psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families.
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It was at Full Circle Center that I began my work with chronic pain patients teaching mind-body healing methods, which enabled many patients to regain control and increase the quality of their lives. It was through these experiences that I became even more interested in the mind-body connection and began to study chronic pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, which led to a deeper understanding of Psychosomatic Disorders.
Currently, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I bring the values of respect, teamwork, and service to working with my clients. I work from a family systems, strengths-based framework and utilize a variety of approaches based on the needs of the individual client or client system.
As a Mind Body Psychotherapist I observe the client's emotional and physical reactions and brings these to the client's awareness leading to increased control and self-regulation. My methods include EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, meditation, guided imagery, relaxation response exercises, and communication and relationship skills building.
I draw upon the knowledge of various theorists such as Piaget, Freud, Erickson, Jung, and many great Eastern Philosophers and teachers. I am very grateful for my instructors , mentors, and my own personal experiences.
At this time, I also supervise Graduate Students from Humboldt State University's School of Social Work.
My goal is to continue my research on the mind-body connection and teach people how to increase their health and well being across many levels.
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