About Me
Welcome
I am Dr. Martha Williams, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Francisco. I have been practicing for over 30 years, working with adults with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, or someone going through a challenging life transition.
My Approach to Therapy
As a therapist, my top priority is to keep my clients safe, heard, and understood, helping them work towards the goals we've set. It is a partnership of collaboration and accountability to help you get more of what you want and need.
I have had extensive training and experience utilizing CBT, MCBT, DBT, ACT, and Mindfulness techniques based on the Mind/Body connection.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a goal oriented therapy that helps you to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings and actions to develop better coping skills for various mental health issues (I.e. anxiety), as well as life challenges. CBT helps to manage or improve health issues such as sleep, exercise, eating patterns or social support, which are all necessary for optimal functioning.
CBT is collaborative and requires active participation, homework and the willingness to change and a desire for better outcomes.
Stress Management:
This involves a mix of lifestyle changes and coping techniques focusing on mindfulness (i.e., breathing techniques, journalling, meditation etc) physical health, sleep and putting together a support community.
CBT Therapy is a common practice used to help with:
Anxiety + Stress Management
Depression
Relationship issues
Chronic Pain or Illness
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
This is an approach based on CBT that teaches skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships and cope with distress by balancing acceptance and change. It emphasizes being present and aware without judgement, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and improving communication and relationships.
Acceptance Commitment (ACT)
This approach encourages individuals to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fight them. This is an approach which is often needed in chronic illness or pain, as well as situations which we can’t change. ACT supports you while promoting psychological flexibility, and encouraging value-driven behaviors, and resilience to find a new way to relate to yourself.
Issues I Work With
Chronic Pain or Illness
Life Transitions
Stress and Anger Management
Medical Issues
Relationship Issues
Work Life Stress and Balance
Anxiety / Depression
My Background
I received my Ph.D in Psychology from Temple University and have successfully helped many clients with anxiety and depression. I have practiced in hospital and private medical practices, as well as my own private practice, working with clients to meet their goals and create a safe space.
Education
-
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Predoctoral internship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
Postdoctoral internship at Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT.
-
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
-
Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY.
-
California Psychological Association CPA
Northern California Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Network NCCBT
Professional License: License #PSY28753
GET IN TOUCH
Fill out the form to schedule a free 15-minute consultation where we can get to know each other and I can answer any questions about services. I look forward to meeting you!