I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Clinical Mental Healthcare from University of Maryland University College, Adelphi Md., and Master of Social Work, Clinical concentration, from The Catholic University, Washington, D.C. I have more than a decade of experience working with diverse populations in hospital and community settings. I have completed training for identifying and working with adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and addiction. I provide individual and group counseling and staff development trainings.
I am passionate about helping adolescents and adults fulfill their dreams, goals and highest aspirations. It is my belief that if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. I will meet you where you are with respect, patience, and acceptance. Together we will explore the habits and distractions that get in the way of your living the life you want. I am an eclectic therapist, pulling psychodynamic approaches and interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, restorative justice, solution focused, motivation interviewing, and harm reduction. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. My training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) will assist me to work alongside you to develop awareness of behavioral and thought patterns, while taking an active role in therapy, challenging you to explore alternative ways to deal with life’s situations. I explore relationship patterns using a Psychodynamic lens, looking at connections with current symptoms and concerns by exploring both current and early life experiences and relationship patterns. I will partner with you throughout your personal journey of growth and self-fulfillment.
I will offer you a safe and supportive space in which we can begin the healing process and learn effective skills to manage your anxiety, depression, trauma or difficult life transitions.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
DC LICSW LIC5008512
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Petrina Williams. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Petrina helped me a lot with roadblocks I have had for years. She is very insightful and knows what questions to ask or what to say at the right time. I really improved during my therapy with her and I can tell the difference before and after our therapy. She is patient and respectful. She is definitely skillful and resourceful as a therapist. I will recommend Betterhelp to my friends since I think it was a great experience.
Written on Apr 09, 2021 after therapy with Petrina for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
She’s great and very supportive and a super smart therapist
Written on Mar 04, 2021 after therapy with Petrina for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
I was skeptical of therapy in general and especially online therapy. Petrina has put me at ease with her easy demeanor and her ability to call me out and support me at the same time. I have a long way to go but I sure as hell feel a lot better about life than I did when I signed up.
Written on Mar 02, 2021 after therapy with Petrina for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Petrina has been an absolute angel in my life. From the very first meeting we had, she was able to provide me with guidance and strategies to quickly get my anxiety controlled, and has been super attentive to detail when it comes to my triggers. She always actively listens during our sessions and is constantly giving me feedback which makes me feel like she is taking the time to really understand what I am telling her. I appreciate her commitment to help me through my process, and I am grateful to have been matched with her.
Written on Feb 12, 2021 after therapy with Petrina for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Petrine Williams has been absolutely amazing and she is an excellent counselor I could not have asked for a better match on better help. She’s the best
Written on Dec 18, 2020 after therapy with Petrina for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, and self esteem