William Huntley

Hello, I am Liam Huntley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been working in Social Services/Social Work/Therapy for over 20 years and in Private Practice since March 2022. My main goal as a therapist when working with my clients is to help you see the truth of who you are and what you can be.

My approach

I practice Talk Therapy, meaning our sessions look like conversations between us. This conversation is not about the everyday stuff. These conversations are designed to help to unpack the challenges that made you reach out for support in a safe way, so as to not create further emotional/mental pain. I practice from a client-centered, strengths-based focused so that you can recognize the strengths you have that are being blocked by the challenges going on in life. We can easily become so overwhelmed with the difficulties of life that we focus more on negative things, which we can then, without realizing it's happening, we then internalize about ourselves. My main modalities, which we can discuss more in-depth during an initial consult and working together, are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

My focus

It may sound strange to hear, but I love working with Trauma, whether it's from family of origin, childhood, or from today's world. I love this area because it is often the driving force of what is creating distress in our lives, and can often show up as Depression or Anxiety among other diagnoses. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which I identify as gay or queer, I particularly focus on this population as we tend to be a marginalized community. I have an extensive history working with members of the transgender community. I work with clients from ages 14 and up and am comfortable working with many different mental health diagnoses.

My communication style

I like to create an environment of calm and relaxed communication so that you can feel that you are the focus, not any diagnoses or trauma history. I modify my communication style for each individual client. If you want me to be direct and identify my observations about what is happening, I will do that. If you want me to be supportive and make inquiries that will help you make connections on your own, I can do that as well. Many therapists operate under a structure that swearing in a session, either by the client or therapist, is not "appropriate or professional." I do not operate under this belief. I believe that bringing my authenticity into the session makes the client more comfortable to be their authentic selves as well. I will always ask in an initial consult if swearing is something that offends you. If it does, I will try my best to not swear. If you are comfortable with it, for me to do and/or you to do, then let the F-bombs drop, because being ourselves is much easier than playing roles.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a person who grew up in a dysfunctional family, with the trauma that goes along with it, I realized that the mental health support I received growing up was a significant support. I want to be able to provide my clients with that same support so that they can create a healthier and more satisfying life for themselves. I have a quote that I try as much as possible, personally and professionally, to practice by. It is from one of the first female Saints. who happens to share my birthday, St. Julian of Norwich, which says: All manner of things shall be well.

My goals for you

I want every client to know that the "Goal" of therapy is never Cure centered. In other words, we can work to reduce the symptoms, but not eliminate them. Goals can only be set and achieved if you have input into setting them. I follow a process called SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based

My first session with you

Our first session is about exploring the Why's in life, such as Why you are seeking therapy. It's an information-gathering session so that, together, we can identify the most appropriate diagnosis for you. Regarding a diagnosis: I am required to make one for insurance policy. Once a diagnosis is made, my goal is to move away from the name. I never want a client to feel as if they are their diagnosis. Instead, the diagnosis is one of many things that makes us who we are.