Ali Pagan Williams (she/her)

For minorities and people of color, processing through what it means to show up in our society comes with a lot of complexity. Oppressive systems and invalidating environments make it hard to settle in to yourself. My own identity as a multiracial person of color has helped me to be aware of the need for support in the process of coming to terms with and finding joy in your racial identity.

In our culture, we are bombarded with messages throughout our lives that there is something wrong with us, and we need to change ourselves to become acceptable. My goal is to help you re-connect with your innate wholeness and strengths- which has always been present but so easily is drowned out by other voices. "You are not broken; your ancestors have carried you through anxiety and worry; your body remembers and it is possible to feel that way again.” -Fabian Romero

I believe that significant losses and unresolved grief lie at the root of so much of the difficulties we face in our lives. Loss is universal to all people, but so often we are left alone in dealing with those losses and judge ourselves for not "moving on". With my therapy background in trauma work and experience in hospital settings and bereavement work, I have seen how support when facing loss is so crucial to our overall well being.

I believe that talking about the challenges you are experiencing with someone who validates your experience and listens is extremely healing. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on past experiences that have an effect on us today.

Our bodies hold so much of our experiences, and is where emotions are stored. Our culture encourages us to either ignore or control our bodies, rather than listening to them and valuing them. My hope is to support the integration of body and mind, which I believe is necessary for being our full selves.

Motivational interviewing is rooted in harm reduction and non-judgmental, reflective listening that allows space for people to find their own internal motivation for change, when they are ready.