Bianca Williams, MFT: Featured Philadelphia Therapist
Welcome to Council for Relationships (CFR)’s monthly Featured Clinician blog, highlighting the dedicated professionals who provide exceptional therapy and psychiatry services to the Philadelphia region. This month, we are pleased to introduce Bianca Williams, MFT, a staff therapist in Philadelphia. Bianca brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her practice. Let’s explore Bianca’s background, approach to therapy, and how personal experiences have shaped her therapeutic approach.
Request a therapy appointment with Bianca.
Background, Inspiration, & Approach
Bianca Williams’s journey began in Secane, Pennsylvania, where she was born and later moved to Philadelphia as a child. As the eldest of three siblings, Bianca naturally took on a leadership role in her family. She strived to be a role model for her younger siblings, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, humor, generosity, and self-advocacy.
When Bianca began her internship at CFR, she immediately felt a sense of belonging. “I chose to work at CFR because while interning there, I immediately felt that it was okay to be myself. No matter what was happening outside, there was always a warm and calm energy inside,” she recalls. This welcoming and supportive environment solidified her decision to join CFR, where she could thrive and help others do the same.
One aspect that makes Bianca stand out is her love for foreign films. “In my youth, I never truly felt like I belonged, but I was always able to experience a sense of connectedness in the characters’ stories and experiences,” she shares. This connection to diverse stories has enriched her perspective and deepened her empathy. She brings this broadened perspective and enhanced empathy into her therapy sessions.
Bianca Williams Understands Starting Therapy Can be Daunting
Therapy can help you and your relationships thrive. However, for many, starting therapy can be anxiety-provoking.
Many people resist starting therapy for various reasons, often due to misconceptions or fears about the process.
Some believe their problems aren’t severe enough to warrant therapy, thinking it’s only for extreme cases, but getting help early can prevent issues from worsening. Others feel they should handle their problems independently, not realizing that therapists have specialized training to help with emotional and psychological issues, much like doctors help with physical ailments. There’s also a misconception that once therapy starts, it will never end. In reality, the duration of therapy varies and is decided collaboratively between the therapist and the client.
Privacy concerns are another barrier, as people worry they’ll have to reveal all their private thoughts. However, in therapy, you control what you share and at what pace, with therapists like Bianca working to ensure comfort. The fear of being judged also holds people back, but like other therapists, Bianca is trained to be non-judgmental and supportive, helping clients feel understood and accepted.
Additionally, there’s a worry that therapy will obligate them to make uncomfortable changes. Therapy focuses more on exploring options and gaining new perspectives than forcing decisions.
The fear of discovering unsettling things about oneself can be intimidating, yet increased self-awareness often leads to greater control and satisfaction in life.
Lastly, having mixed feelings about starting therapy is normal and can indicate important issues that need addressing. Exploring these concerns can ultimately be beneficial in every aspect of your life.
It is not surprising that starting therapy can be daunting for many people. Bianca understands this well.
“A first session with me involves doing my absolute best to make my client feel as comfortable and safe as possible,” she explains. Bianca aims to create a reassuring environment by recognizing the anxiety that often accompanies a first meeting. She prioritizes understanding her clients’ goals and setting a collaborative tone for their therapeutic journey.
The Goal of Therapy
Bianca Williams sees therapy clients in person at CFR’s University City office and online.
For Bianca, the goal of therapy is fluid and individualized. “In my opinion, the goal of therapy is whatever the client needs it to be,” she states. She believes starting with the most challenging event in a client’s life is effective. This client-centered approach tailors therapy to address each person’s specific needs and concerns.
Bianca’s approach to therapy is empowering and expansive. “I firmly believe in allowing clients the space to consider all possibilities,” she says. She helps clients explore various options and emphasizes that their choices should always be theirs. By guiding clients to prioritize their priorities, Bianca helps them navigate overwhelming feelings and find clarity.
Bianca offers encouraging words for those unsure about starting therapy: “My advice would be that nothing ventured is nothing gained, and that if anything, therapy might grant a sense of direction or even a confirmation of some kind.” She emphasizes that seeking therapy can provide valuable insights and clarity, making it a worthwhile endeavor for anyone looking to improve their mental health.
What is a Marriage & Family Therapist?
Bianca is a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT). You might wonder what that title means. Here is a bit more about MFTs.
An MFT is a professional who helps people with their relationships and personal problems. Their work is crucial as they help people build and maintain healthy relationships, which are essential for a happy and fulfilling life. By supporting mental health and helping people manage their emotions, MFTs prevent more serious problems and contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and families.
They work with couples who might have trouble in their relationship due to arguments, misunderstandings, or other conflicts. By helping the couple communicate better and find ways to resolve their issues, MFTs improve the quality of their relationship. Additionally, they provide family counseling to address problems that affect everyone, such as big changes, losses, or ongoing conflicts, helping family members better understand each other and strengthen their bonds.
MFTs like Bianca also offer individual support to those struggling with personal issues that impact their relationships, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. They assist individuals in coping with significant life changes like moving to a new place, starting a new school, or dealing with a loss. By teaching communication skills and problem-solving techniques and helping people understand their emotions, MFTs enable individuals and families to handle stress and improve their interactions.
Bianca Williams, MFT (pictured here)
Conclusion – Bianca Williams Is Here for You
Bianca Williams is a dedicated therapist at CFR. She is committed to helping clients achieve their goals and find their path to well-being. Her unique background, empathetic approach, and unwavering support make her an invaluable team member.
If you’re in Pennsylvania and seeking therapy, consider contacting Bianca. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our University City Philadelphia office or the convenience of online therapy, Bianca is here to support you on your journey.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Bianca Williams, MFT, please visit her CFR profile.
If this is an emergency, please call 911 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.
More Mental Health Blogs from CFR Therapists & Psychiatrists
CFR’s therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals offer much more to explore! Check out the CFR Expert Voices blog for great mental and emotional health advice on managing your anxiety, spirituality in the therapy room, improving your personal relationships, tips for healing from a traumatic experience, and much more. To get first access to our Expert Voices blog, join our mailing list!
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