Shirley Williams , LCSW, CSW

Shirley Williams is a Colorado-licensed clinician with 35 years of experience who brings a trauma-informed, somatic perspective to her work. She holds the credentials LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and CSW (Certified Social Worker) and has developed a practice that spans clinical settings and body-centered care.

Raised in Michigan, she completed a BA in Psychology and a Master of Social Work at Wayne State University, then pursued a two-year Intensive Family Therapy program at the Ann Arbor Center for the Family during a formative period for Family Systems Therapy. Over the years she has continued with many advanced trainings to broaden her clinical toolkit.

Her professional background includes work in health care, hospice, schools, foster care and adoption services, pregnancy support, and services for people with disabilities and their caregivers, including those who care for animals. In 2000 she completed a 1000-hour Massage Therapy program at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and went on to earn national certification in Massage and Bodywork Therapy along with a Colorado license in that field.

Maintaining dual careers in mental health and bodywork has informed a somatic, trauma-sensitive approach. As an EMDR-trained therapist she has incorporated techniques such as the Flash Technique into trauma resolution work and reports positive client responses. She also integrates expressive tools like sound, movement and clay work in both virtual and in-person sessions. Shirley values curiosity and channels it into thoughtful, individualized care.

EMDR, Narrative Work, and Trauma-Focused Care Online

Shirley Williams uses established approaches to address trauma and its effects in accessible, practical ways. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps reprocess distressing memories through guided bilateral stimulation, supporting reduction of trauma-related symptoms and emotional intensity. Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories people tell about their lives, helping clients separate themselves from painful experiences and reframe personal narratives to support healing and resilience. Trauma-Focused Therapy centers on understanding how traumatic events affect thoughts, emotions and behavior and uses targeted interventions to support recovery and coping.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shirley works collaboratively with each client to determine what fits best given their needs, goals and preferences. She tailors techniques over time and combines somatic and expressive elements when appropriate to support each person’s pace and comfort.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for many clients. Video calls and phone sessions allow for deeper conversation and real-time interaction, while live chat and text-based messaging provide flexibility for busy schedules or those who prefer written communication. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access licensed professionals from the client’s own environment.