Clinician Spotlight: Emily Williamson, LICSW

Clinician Spotlight: Emily Williamson, LICSW

Nicole: What inspired you to become a therapist, and how did your experience working in ICU and cancer settings shape your approach to care?

Emily: I was inspired to become a therapist while working as a resident assistant in college, where I enjoyed supporting students as they adjusted to a new environment. As a social worker, I focused on medical settings, helping individuals and families navigate chronic illness and cancer. Through that work, I discovered a passion for helping people adjust to a “new normal” and build the skills they need to support themselves, even when they’re not sure where to start.

Nicole: You’ve worked closely with individuals navigating serious medical conditions- how does that influence the way you support clients in therapy today?

Emily: One of my biggest takeaways is that the most obvious issue isn’t always the most impactful. While many clients face serious medical conditions, what often matters most is how those experiences affect their relationships, careers, and sense of self. In my work now, I focus on helping clients process those deeper impacts and identify what feels most meaningful to them.

Nicole: What draws you to working with clients going through major life transitions, such as illness, caregiving, or changes in identity?

Emily: I think the resilience that I have seen in individuals is the most compelling thing. There are so many life changes that we all go through and even when the change is something unexpected or unwelcome, people want to get through it and are doing the best they can. My role then becomes to be the person to support on the path to feeling the best they can while navigating this. 

Nicole: How do you support caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed or balancing their own needs with caring for a loved one?

Emily: Boundary setting and balance. I often find that caregivers make sacrifices in the effort of taking care of a loved one but then find themselves burning out or feeling overwhelmed. I work with caregivers to try to identify the areas where they need more support and how we navigate by setting boundaries both with themselves and others to try to find a better balance.

Nicole: You’re trained in EMDR, CBT, and narrative therapy- how do you decide which approach to use with each client?

Emily: I listen to what each client is bringing forward and what they want to work on most. Some people come in with clear goals that they want to work on, and we decide on an approach that will best meet those goals. Others come in less sure of what they need, but know that they want to feel better, and we use our sessions to parse out what would feel most helpful for them. I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all, so I work with each client to figure out what would fit best for them. 

Nicole: For clients new to therapy, how would you describe your style and what they can expect in sessions with you?

Emily: I would describe my style as inquisitive and supportive. I am someone who works to help folks challenge the areas that they feel stuck in, which can be really difficult work, so I also aim to bring warmth and humor into sessions as well. 

Nicole: What are some common themes you see when working with individuals facing chronic illness or palliative care, and how do you help them cope?

Emily: Common themes I see include identity changes, loss of control, and balancing hope with realism. These experiences can shift over time, so I help clients connect with their values, find small ways to regain a sense of control, and create space to process what they’re going through.

Nicole: You work with both adolescents and adults-how do you tailor your approach across different age groups?

Emily: I think with every client I work with, I aim to meet people where they are. My approach is very individualistic across all ages and stages of life.

Nicole: For college-aged clients or those navigating early adulthood, what kinds of challenges do you often help them work through?

Emily: Some common challenges I see are adjusting to independence, finding community, trying to understand purpose and goals, and financial insecurity as they navigate all these stressors. 

Nicole: What would you say to someone who is considering therapy but feels unsure about getting started?
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Emily: I would say that I think most people feel unsure about getting started, but you don't have to know exactly what you need to start. It's okay to be nervous and not know what you want to talk about yet; your therapist is there to help guide you through the process.