Shana Williams-Leary, LCSW
Trauma-informed LCSW and family clinician
- Trauma and PTSD
- Adults 18 and older
- English and Spanish
About Shana Williams-Leary
Shana Williams-Leary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 23 years of experience working in both inpatient crisis and outpatient counseling settings. She has provided services to individuals, couples, and families from ages 4 to 85 across Florida, Utah, Maine, Arizona, and several other countries, bringing a broad international and cross-setting perspective to her work.
She begins treatment by meeting clients where they are and then tailors interventions from that starting point, applying a versatile clinical palette to fit each person or family. Her primary specialty is in treating PTSD and related abuse and trauma, and she is a Certified TIST therapist - Trauma-informed Stabilization and Treatment - with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), including the Flash Technique.
Shana has frequently worked with individuals living with chronic serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dissociative concerns, and depression, as well as people navigating major life transitions, expatriate adjustments, high sensitivity, and developmental delays. She has also supported people in middle-stage dementia and their caregivers, and has experience addressing parenting challenges. Her highest comfort level for individual work is with adults aged 18 and over.
Her counseling style is eclectic and grounded in warmth, acceptance, and trust-building, while remaining capable of focused, solution-oriented work when brevity is needed. She uses Motivational Interviewing to clarify what clients truly want and to explore areas of limited motivation, then moves into strengths-based and skill-building strategies. Cognitive-behavioral and humanistic techniques are integrated with family systems and developmental perspectives when relational issues arise.
Shana views therapeutic work as both a privilege and a collaborative journey. She honors each person’s courage in seeking change and strives to provide a respectful, compassionate space where clients can be fully heard and supported in developing their best selves. Working with someone on their unique path is described by her as an honor, and she aims to adapt the therapeutic style to what the client finds most helpful and supportive.
She begins treatment by meeting clients where they are and then tailors interventions from that starting point, applying a versatile clinical palette to fit each person or family. Her primary specialty is in treating PTSD and related abuse and trauma, and she is a Certified TIST therapist - Trauma-informed Stabilization and Treatment - with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), including the Flash Technique.
Shana has frequently worked with individuals living with chronic serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dissociative concerns, and depression, as well as people navigating major life transitions, expatriate adjustments, high sensitivity, and developmental delays. She has also supported people in middle-stage dementia and their caregivers, and has experience addressing parenting challenges. Her highest comfort level for individual work is with adults aged 18 and over.
Her counseling style is eclectic and grounded in warmth, acceptance, and trust-building, while remaining capable of focused, solution-oriented work when brevity is needed. She uses Motivational Interviewing to clarify what clients truly want and to explore areas of limited motivation, then moves into strengths-based and skill-building strategies. Cognitive-behavioral and humanistic techniques are integrated with family systems and developmental perspectives when relational issues arise.
Shana views therapeutic work as both a privilege and a collaborative journey. She honors each person’s courage in seeking change and strives to provide a respectful, compassionate space where clients can be fully heard and supported in developing their best selves. Working with someone on their unique path is described by her as an honor, and she aims to adapt the therapeutic style to what the client finds most helpful and supportive.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Shana Williams-Leary have?
Shana Williams-Leary has 24 years of experience in clinical social work and counseling.
Is Shana Williams-Leary a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). License details are FL LCSW SW7878 and UT LCSW 12996356-3501.
In which languages does Shana Williams-Leary provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Shana Williams-Leary located?
Shana Williams-Leary is located in Florida.
How can I work with Shana Williams-Leary as my therapist?
You can work with Shana Williams-Leary through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Shana Williams-Leary work with international clients?
Yes, Shana Williams-Leary works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Shana Williams-Leary cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit for You?
Many people wonder whether meeting with a therapist online can make a meaningful difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or managing life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions for most people.One major advantage is scheduling flexibility. Individuals can connect with a therapist in the format that works best for them - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which can make it easier to maintain consistency and fit care into a busy life.
Each therapist offering remote services is a licensed professional, and clients have the option to switch therapists if they feel a different fit would be more helpful. For many people, online therapy offers a practical, accessible way to engage in regular therapeutic work while retaining professional clinical support.
Ready to start therapy with Shana Williams-Leary?
Take the first step toward a better you.