Grief, Spirituality, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Social Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Panic Attack, Emotional Disturbance, Dual Diagnosis, Trauma / PTSD
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Nina
Nina Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 2 decades of experience as a mental health professional. She has performed her duties in the arena of psychosocial skill development and encouraging positive psychological advancement since 2000. Her client base ranged from persons 5 years of age to 86 who were seeking help with grief, losses, trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and other life-transitional concerns.
Nina completed her Bachelor of Social Work at North Carolina A&T State University and her Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Over the years, Nina has performed clinical duties as Mental Health Coordinator in the system of corrections, worked with military children and families in Norfolk, VA school system, and performed intensive outpatient treatment in the behavioral health and psychiatric departments of 2 major hospitals—one in NC and the other in VA, for both children and adults. Nina utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and interpersonal therapy (IPT) by personalizing interventions from a person-centered approach.
We can all learn to purposefully reformulate maladaptive thinking patterns and increase positive self-talk by anticipating challenges and recognizing setbacks. These are all pieces that lead to successful outcomes. If you are looking to change how you approach daily living, Nina welcomes the opportunity to work with you.
"Through the use of focused interventions, we can learn to purposefully reformulate maladaptive thinking patterns and increase positive self-talk by anticipating challenges and recognizing setbacks. "
Get to know Nina
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I worked at a major hospital for almost 10 years and saw the emotional effects on persons who did not have family visiting, or just someone to talk to when not feeling their best. I visited those patients on my own time and provided, what I did not know at the time, a very necessary outlet to heal. When I returned to school at age 39, I was more mature and keenly aware of wanting to help those unable to help themselves and endeavoring to complete the terminal degree in social work, I became the psychotherapist I am today.
What types of clients do you work with best?
"Types" of clients is a tricky term because all clients are human beings. I would define "type" as it relates to the concern(s) presented. I suppose I do my best work with clients who can benefit from cognitive behavioral change engine implementation. Socioeconomic, emotional and mental health can develop from many circumstances and present in numerous forms. Therefore, I believe I can safely say I work best with clients who are interested in receiving the type of help I can offer as a seasoned psychotherapist.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited to work with children (age 6-10), young adults (19-27) and persons 40 and older.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
The one thing I wish all clients knew is that the brain is a powerful tool and that each individual has the power to change the way it (their thinking) affects their health.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Thriveworks presented itself as an entity created based on the mindset that individuals deserve to be treated with warmth and respect, and access to high-quality care to heal and thrive. Helping those unable to help themselves is wrapped in this same core value.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by knowing I have the capacity to do something that can help others improve their outlook and future orientation.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
During the first session clients can expect to be made to feel comfortable, to be treated as an individual, to be heard, non-judgmental interaction, honesty, compassion, respect, and confidentiality.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
In the first session I seek to make the client comfortable, learn about family, accomplish consent to move forward, establish rapport, gather pertinent information to circumstance of concern, honest exchange, past treatment history and current treatment history.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
Clients should know I will always be open and honest, and will exhaust all resources to assist in whatever capacity needed to help move/motivate the client towards improving their quality of life.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I spend time with family and friends. Communication is big with me so I enjoy conversations around current events and my chosen profession. I enjoy numerous genres of, eat as healthy as is available at the time, laugh a lot, and travel.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
The one thing that defines me is my conscientiousness about all things that interest me.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 19 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
Publications, Accomplishments & Awards
Book your first session
