Artesha Williams, LCSW

I am a Chicago-based, licensed clinician who specializes in working with Black survivors of gun violence, traumatic loss, and complex trauma.  For years, I have been committed to supporting and empowering those who are street-affiliated, who struggle with post-traumatic stress, and who desire to safely explore and process their triggers, trauma and triumphs. I also hold a deep connection with and compassion for single mothers and fathers and those struggling with ambiguous loss due to incarceration. I have eight years of professional experience doing advocacy, case management and therapeutic violence/retaliation prevention work in hospitals (Cook County Stroger Hospital’s Trauma Unit, University of Chicago, and Advocate Christ Hospital) and neighborhoods across the city.  

I take a holistic approach to therapy and focus on context, perspective, and resilience as key factors to understanding clients’ lived experiences. I stress the importance of environmental, societal, and historical influences on the way that my clients develop their identity, perceive their problems, and navigate their world. 

Trauma often beginning in childhood can make us lose sight of all that we possess within us. I believe that we all have unique qualities that equip us for the challenges we must face in life. It’s important for clients to have a space to not only explore what holds them back but build on what pushes them to keep going. A key part of this is being shown our own strength and our own history and the ways in which we have built ourselves up time and time again in the face of oppression, societal pressures and toxic family structures.

Through compassion, respect, patience and a good sense of humor, I connect with clients desiring to take their masks off and be heard and understood rather than “fixed” and I tailor treatment based on each individual’s unique style, needs and desires. Oftentimes, we can struggle to put into words what we have experienced. In addition to several evidence-based practices, I also utilize expressive arts (music, poetry, writing, film) to help guide clients to work through experiences they may not be ready to talk directly about. I want all of my clients to prioritize protecting their energy in order to achieve peace of mind. 

I believe that our past is not something we should run away from or be ashamed of, and I challenge my clients to see themselves and every part of their journey as a testament to their strength and resilience.

I welcome the opportunity to help you Heal, Rise & Soar!