About Rachel
Rachel D. Williams, MS, LPC, CCTP
Licensed Professional Counselor
Clinically Certified Trauma Professional
Howdy! I’m Rachel, a licensed professional counselor providing therapy in Collin County and the surrounding areas since 2010. I’m also a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional with professional training through the STRONG STAR Training Initiative in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
I combine the “art” of traditional talk therapy methods as well as the “science” of evidenced-based treatments supported by current research. I have always had what I would call “a natural sense of curiosity” and am a self-proclaimed research nerd. My approach allows me the flexibility to choose from different interventions in order to tailor treatment to each client, as well as integrating the latest research on the science of the mind, attachment, and trauma into simple terms that can be applied directly to the real-world.
My Approach
My therapeutic style is built upon a systemic perspective incorporating trauma-informed practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy, relational neuroscience, and attachment-based therapeutic modalities. Family systems theory emphasizes the role of the family as an “emotional unit” that profoundly influences the way we think, feel, and behave. In a nut shell, we are all a product of our experiences and our family-of-origin creates the blue print to our interpretations of ourselves, other people, and our interactions with the world. Early attachment disruptions are often a primary contributor to many adult mental health issues. These self-survival strategies as a result of our upbringing often carry over into adulthood. While our experiences may have shaped us, they do not have to define us. I make it a priority to create a safe and trusting environment encouraging clients to be more receptive to identifying, evaluating, and modifying internal beliefs and problematic behavioral patterns. Every new experience opens the door offering an opportunity for introspection and change.
My Education
I earned my bachelors degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and my masters degree in counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce. During my graduate studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce I had the privilege of being a part of two non-profit organizations: Crossroad Family Services, a community counseling center in East Plano, and The Samaritan Inn, the only transitional homeless shelter for residents in Collin County.
Since earning my degree I gained clinical experience in case management working with severe and persistent mental illnesses as well as maintaining my private practice since 2011. Most recently, I spent six years working in inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities helping adolescents and adults in crisis resolution including suicidal/homicidal ideation, addiction, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and self-harm behaviors. It was also where I honed my skills as a trauma specialist working with both civilian and military populations to reduce symptoms of unresolved trauma/PTSD using Schema and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
“Therapists are NEVER done with growth, they are simply people who should be dedicated to learning as much about themselves and others as they possibly can. The best therapists are fully human and engage in the struggles of life, our own failures help us to remain open to the struggle of others; our personal victories give us the optimism and courage to inspire those struggling with their lives.”
- Louis Cozolino