Elaina McWilliams (She/her)

In my 15 yrs. as a therapist and clinical supervisor, I have supported clients experiencing depression, addiction, anxiety, trauma, and relationship stress. I am also committed to supporting my clients in exploring how their internal experiences are impacted by the intersecting social identities and roles they hold. I’m trained in several evidence-based practices including CBT, ACT and DBT. I also have advanced training in two proven trauma healing techniques: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and EMDR (EMDRIA certified). I am flexible in how I use these approaches and open to integrating other healing practices that feel meaningful to my clients. Some of my clients prefer a very structured and short-term approach that focuses on a single, specific problem. Others need more time to explore their inner-worlds and gradually address broad themes that keep reemerging in their lives. I won’t assume that I know what you need or want. We will create a path forward that feels right to you.

Ten years after first becoming a therapist, I returned to school for my doctorate degree in community psychology. I have published research on criminal record stigma and contributed policy-focused research to a campaign that resulted in new Maryland laws. Within the realm of therapy, I believe that research can guide therapists toward effective methods. As such, I am trained in multiple trauma treatment techniques, including EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy, that have been proven effective in nationwide studies. I also understand that research has historically been dominated by the perspectives of people who are economically privileged, white, Christian, cisgender, heterosexual, and/or identified as men. This means I recognize that published research may highlight only a narrow subset of healing practices. I am open to learning about and using alternative healing approaches and to developing a therapeutic plan that fits with my client’s culture and beliefs.