Shirley Williams, LCSW, CSW

Shirley Williams is a Colorado licensed mental health professional with 35 years of clinical experience who blends traditional social work training with body-centered methods to support people through trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. She earned a BA in Psychology and an MSW from Wayne State University and completed a two-year Intensive Family Therapy program at the Ann Arbor Center for the Family during the early developments of family systems practice. Her background includes extensive work in health care, hospice, schools, foster care and adoption services, pregnancy support programs, and services for people with disabilities and their caregivers, including those who rely on animals for care.

In 2000 Shirley completed a 1000-hour Massage Therapy program at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, became nationally certified in Massage and Bodywork Therapy, and holds state licensure in massage. That parallel training informs a somatic perspective in her mental health practice and contributes to a trauma-sensitive approach. As a trained EMDR practitioner she also incorporates newer tools such as the Flash Technique when appropriate, and she draws on expressive arts methods including sound work, dance and movement, and clay to expand therapeutic options in both virtual and in-person sessions.

Shirley’s practice reflects long-standing curiosity and continuous learning. She combines evidence-informed therapies with creative, body-aware interventions to help clients address attachment and abandonment, anxiety, depression, caregiving stress, parenting concerns, intimacy and relationship issues, and many other challenges.