About William
William Smith is a licensed mental health counselor in New York with 16 years of clinical experience. He focuses on practical help for people managing addiction, trauma, grief, depression, and self-esteem concerns. He values each person's strengths and prefers to work alongside clients as they tell their story and find next steps.
He approaches sessions with a clear focus on the issues the person brings. Conversations are meant to identify patterns, name painful moments, and try small changes that can reduce distress.
How William works
He leans on methods that center the person and their experiences rather than imposing a fixed plan. William often uses narrative techniques to help people reframe difficult events and make sense of how their past connects to the present. He also draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at recurring relationships and long-standing patterns.
For people coping with trauma, he applies trauma-focused methods aimed at easing intense reactions and building coping skills. He has worked across a range of concerns including addictions, LGBT issues, post-traumatic stress, sexual assault and abuse, and chronic illness. He also helps with grief, caregiver stress, aging and end-of-life concerns, and questions about life purpose.
William pays attention to feelings like guilt, shame, and abandonment when they shape a person's choices. Sessions are conversational and respectful. He encourages honest feedback and adjusts his approach as needed.
People who prefer a collaborative, story-focused style often find this way of working helpful.
William lists 4 ways of working on the entry:
What William works with
The areas below are the ones William selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
Also listed
- Abandonment
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Depression
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Forgiveness
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- HIV / AIDS
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self esteem
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
Training and background
| Register | LMHC |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 16 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | New York |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
Approaches that guide online sessions
William commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy in online work. Client-Centered Therapy means the session centers on the person's experience and goals, with the therapist listening closely and reflecting what matters most. This approach helps with self-esteem, life direction, and feeling understood. Trauma-Focused Therapy targets reactions that come from past traumatic events and focuses on reducing intense symptoms and building coping skills tailored to those experiences.Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and together they will try options that fit. Adjustments are expected as the work progresses so the approach stays useful and relevant.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls let people use visual cues and fuller conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging allow short check-ins, written reflection, or support between longer sessions. These options offer flexibility for varied schedules and day-to-day demands.
Start online instead of waiting
Our partner service asks a few questions about what you are looking for and matches you with a therapist for sessions from home.
Book with WilliamWe will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.
Common questions
What concerns does William commonly address?
What is his general therapy style?
How much clinical experience does he have?
What are his credentials and where is he based?
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
Which session formats does he offer?
How is cost handled for sessions?
What is the first step to start therapy with him?
A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you. Entries are not assessed or endorsed by this directory.
Other entries for addictions
Supportive LCSW helping people build strength and clarity
Practical, relational therapy for life transitions
Practical therapy for stress and relationship strain