Christina Yother-Williams, LAPC

Biography

Many of our life experiences, especially those involving our mental health, take us places we don’t anticipate. At least, that is my story. After years of feeling discouraged, isolated, and debilitated by what I was going through, I told my story to someone I trusted. They offered a nonjudgmental and safe space that I didn’t expect, and my journey with therapy began. I felt vulnerable and nervous sharing my experiences, but I learned that through therapy, we can find joy again, trust ourselves, and live with purpose.

Mental health concerns can impact all of us in personal ways, whether we talk about it or not. I know too well that leaving things unsaid can cause feelings of isolation and invisibility. But, you don’t have to be stuck there (which is easier said than done!). I have seen and felt the power of human connection in healing; and that is something I aim to bring to every therapy session with you. If you are experiencing or living with depression, anxiety, trauma, passive suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, self-esteem concerns, or chronic illness, I would be honored to work with you.

Also born from my own life is a connection I feel with caregivers and loved ones of individuals with psychotic disorders; and those who are living with a severe and
persistent mental illness (SPMI) such as schizophrenia, psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder themselves. I am passionate about working with
individuals with SPMIs, as well as their loved ones. It may be hard work at times, but I believe together, you can improve functioning, and quality of life, and find hope.

Christina Yother-Williams Style & Approach

My counseling style is person-centered first and foremost, so I view each person as a unique individual made up of many parts due to their past and present experiences. I believe the need to be seen wholly and authentically is universal. My counseling approach also includes LGBTQ+ allyship, being multiculturally informed, trauma-informed, gender-affirming, and body-positive. I employ interventions that fit each person, which may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Gestalt therapy, among other modalities that may be appropriate.

Education & Experience

My experience includes working in a behavioral health hospital system, working at a community service board, developing community integrated treatment, crisis
intervention, and individual/group counseling. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I also have specialized training working with chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence. I received my master’s degree in clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University. I see adolescents (13+), young adults and adults.

Specialties:

• Depression
• Serious and Persistent Mental Illnesses (SPMIs) including Schizophrenia,
• Psychosis, and Bipolar Disorder
• Caregivers/ family members of those with mental illnesses
• Self Compassion and Identity Exploration
• Chronic Illness/ Disability
• Passive Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma