VANESSA WILLIAMS, LCSW
A
HOLISTIC,
EMPATHETIC
JOURNEY
THE APPROACH
I am am EMDR certified therapist. I specialize in treating complex PTSD, anxiety, negative beliefs, life transitions and low self-esteem.
I believe that taking care of our mental health is an essential part of living a full, happy and meaningful life. We all have an inherent human need to feel heard and understood by others. 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, 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. 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
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
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.
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.
THE MODALITIES
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
​Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on relieving symptoms by improving interpersonal functioning. A central idea in IPT is that psychological symptoms can be understood as a response to current difficulties in everyday relationships with other people.
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.
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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.
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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.
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How long are individual psychotherapy sessions?Sessions are 45-60 minutes.
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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?
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What is the age range of the client’s you see?I work with adults only in my practice.
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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.*