VANESSA WILLIAMS, LCSW
.png)
A
HOLISTIC,
EMPATHETIC
JOURNEY
THE APPROACH
I am am EMDR Certified Therapist. I am also a Consultant-in-Training. I specialize in treating complex and identity-based trauma,
I pride myself in creating a safe and trusting therapeutic alliance with my clients and honor intersectional identities. I am interactive, non-judgmental and empathic in my approach. In working with my clients, my style is eclectic and I believe in taking a client centered approach and meeting my client’s where they are in their individual journey.
It is my goal to help cultivate within my client’s self-compassion.
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare" -Audre Lorde
VANESSA WILLIAMS, LCSW
Vanessa (Williams) Bryan, LCSW earned her Bachelors of Science from New York University in Applied Psychology and then went on to receive her Masters of Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work in 2014 where she also completed an Advanced CBT training certificate program. She is also an EMDR certified therapist and a EMDR Consultant-in-Training. During her graduate program she was a part of the New York State Office of Mental Health Social Work Deans Consortium Evidence Based Practice Project with her participation providing extensive training and education in recovery oriented, evidence-based practices for adults. Her Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) certification has also given her experience supervising graduate students in training
As a seasoned clinician, she has practiced in both outpatient and inpatient behavioral health settings throughout NYC, including New York Presbyterian and NYU Langone Health, specializing in treating trauma survivors, mood disorders, work and relationship stress.
THE THERAPIST
EMDR
Parts Work
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidenced-based technique that uses the brain's natural healing power to resolve wounds at their source on a neurological level. EMDR is a 3-pronged approach in which we work to heal your past, instill positive beliefs about your present, and plan for your future.
Parts work is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as made up of different "parts", each with its own thoughts, feelings and roles. It helps clients identify and understand these parts--such as protectors, critical or wounded aspects--and fosters self-compassion by encouraging connection with the core self, which s calm and capable of leading inner healing
THE MODALITIES
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavior therapy. Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions and improve their relationships with others.
CBT is a structured, skills-oriented talk therapy. CBT has proven effective in research studies for the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and many other conditions. CBT focused on day-to-day problems and may include in-session practical exercises or homework assignments.
EMDR CONSULTATION
​
​
Vanessa is an EMDRIA approved Consultant-in-Training. Her goal is to create a supportive and creative space for you to enhance your competence and grow as an EMDR practitioner. Vanessa specializes in complex trauma and identity-based trauma. She is experienced in parts work and can provide guidance on when (and when not) to incorporate parts work into your EMDR therapy. Vanessa also have a deep understanding of how cultural context impacts a client’s traumatic experiences, adapting EMDR techniques to be culturally sensitive, identifying potential cultural barriers in therapy and developing strategies to incorporate culturally relevant interventions and communication styles to effectively treat clients from diverse backgrounds.
Whether you are working toward certification or simply seeking guidance in implementing EMDR into your practice, consultation sessions are tailored to meet your unique needs. Together, we can explore case conceptualization, treatment planning and troubleshooting challenging cases.
Each individual consultation is 60 minutes and is a $100 investment. Consultation sessions will count for up to 15 hours needed towards EMDR certification. I will also provide a letter of recommendation needed to become EMDR certified. SCHEDULE HERE
-
How can I schedule time with you?You can reach out to me via email or phone for an initial free 15-minute phone consultation. If after speaking we find that we are a good fit, I would be happy to book a day/time that works for your schedule.
-
How often do we meet?It is recommended to meet on a weekly basis. However, we can discuss further if needed once a good fit is determined.
-
How long are individual psychotherapy sessions?Sessions are 45-60 minutes.
-
Do you accept medical insurance?I currently accept the following health insurance plans: Aetna Optum Oscar Oxford Health Plans UHC Student Resources UMR UnitedHealthCare If I do not accept your insurance but you have out of network benefits with your insurer, I'm happy to provide an invoice to help you receive partial reimbursement. Questions to ask your insurance provider before the first session: - Does my plan cover out of network benefits? - Do I have a deductible. If yes, how much is it? Have I met any portion of my deductible with other medical expenses this year? - Does my plan require a pre-authorization or a referral from a MD or Primary Care Physician? - Do I have out-of-network coverage for outpatient psychotherapy? - How do I submit claim forms for reimbursement?
-
What is the age range of the client’s you see?I work with adults only in my practice.
-
More on TelehealthDue to COVID-19, my practice operates fully via telehealth. Telehealth sessions work just as an in-person session would, except over video conferencing. To ensure your privacy, I connect with you from a space where I can reasonably ensure confidentiality and lack of interruption. Here’s what you will need for telehealth sessions: -A private space (no pets, family members or other distractions) -A computer, tablet or phone with a microphone and a camera -A secure internet connection *Please note that I am licensed to practice in the state of New York and am only able to see clients who are in New York.*