Meet Jennifer Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Williams.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has been influenced by a deep well of life experiences, taking me on a journey through unconditional love, selfless sacrifice, cultural awareness, emotional highs and lows, countless trials, and profound grief. The culmination of these experiences propelled me towards pursuing a career in mental health, dedicated to aiding others in recognizing sources of strength within the depths of their circumstances and developing tools to navigate the challenges life inevitably presents.

I honed my expertise by working as an outreach mental health therapist, providing street-based therapy to our most vulnerable homeless population. During this time, I witnessed how meeting individuals where they are on their journey is the initial step in fostering an environment conducive to healing. This approach required moving away from the conventional notion of office-based therapy and redesigning care to be accessible to those whose address was the sidewalk of a street. After observing clients achieve their goals in this setting for years, I felt the call to embark on a new chapter.

Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a heart enriched by experiences, I established my own private practice, focusing on teen therapy, addiction assistance, relationship stress, grief counseling, spiritual support, depression, and anxiety. Having witnessed firsthand in my previous role how untreated mental health concerns often served as the underlying cause of distress, I knew I wanted my practice to revolve around aiding clients in addressing the root causes of harmful patterns, feelings of being stuck, anxiousness, depression, or a sense of loss.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up with two immigrant parents, I noticed the struggles of trying to feel a part of things when the values of your family of origin don’t align with those of your peers. My cultural background has always been a source of strength, but as a young kid, it was hard trying to fit in with the American norm. Even though I looked exactly like my peers, my upbringing was quite different, making it a challenge at certain times. Another struggle has been my family’s history of addiction, and recognizing the impact that substance use carries across generations. As I grew older, I processed my own relationship with alcohol and gratefully stand on the side of recovery, breaking a generational curse. Additionally, I’ve overcome painful relationships, and I’m currently blessed to experience the healing powers found in enjoying secure and healthy bonds—whether that’s with family, friends, or a trusted therapist. In recent years, I’ve had to grieve the tragic loss of a dear friend, learning that some wounds take a lifetime to heal.

This journey has been filled with closures, detours, and unexpected turns. However, as a result, I have persevered through life’s challenges and successfully established a business focused on helping others achieve the same. I value working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, those who find a history of addiction to be part of their story, as well as individuals and couples healing from broken or strained relationships.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jennifer Williams Therapy?
My practice was founded on the principle of meeting clients where they are on their journey. Jennifer Williams Therapy is renowned for providing a judgment-free zone where each person can experience acceptance and understanding. I specialize in crafting a treatment plan that caters to the unique needs of every client. Together, we will work through insecurities and learn new ways to communicate emotions. Individuals who complete this process often emerge with a better sense of self and an enhanced perspective on life and its challenges.

Embarking on therapy requires courage, and I am here to accompany clients on their journey. Those who are curious are encouraged to reach out for a free consultation to determine whether I am a suitable fit for their needs. I stress the importance of finding the right therapist, as successful outcomes are more likely when the individual feels at ease. My services are designed to cultivate hope and healing, with trust in the therapist being a crucial element.

What’s next?
I am excited to witness the evolution and growth of my practice. My aspiration is to continue developing tools that assist in the healing of the community I serve. I aim to reimagine how to support individuals in exploring sobriety and to create a group for those curious about sobriety, where they can process their relationship with substances. Group therapy also proves beneficial for teenagers, allowing them to build a support system among peers, as well as for those seeking solace from grief. My plan involves providing group sessions at a lower fee, enabling more people to engage in the shared healing experience of listening and participating, thereby fostering growth.

On a personal level, I intend to remain active in my own restorative journey. My story is rich with love, loss, joy, pain, achievements, and promises, which have blessed me with a life beyond my wildest dreams. There exists a profound symbiotic effect between therapist and client, where each party benefits from the other. As I grow, I also take pleasure in observing my clients’ growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenniferwilliamstherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwilliamstherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferwilliamslmft
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilliams823/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jennifer-williams-therapy-la-canada-2?osq=Jennifer+Williams

Image Credits
Jennifer Williams, LMFT