MARY McWILLIAMS, MASTER’S LEVEL CLINICIAN:
MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A THERAPIST
The year 2020 was a pivotal point in my life. With 28 years of experience as an attorney in the child protection, juvenile delinquency, and criminal justice systems, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed me to slow down and reevaluate my life. I embarked on a personal journey of healing, growth and change. Through the support of therapy, I began to reflect on and engage with the struggles inherent in all the parts of my life history–daughter, sister, girlfriend, single mother, ex-wife, friend, advocate, lawyer– in new ways.
Through this process, I recognized how my career and life experiences were guiding me toward becoming a therapist. My own journey towards finding meaningful connection and relationships as well as representing children and families in the judicial system revealed my desire to do more than advocate—I wanted to play a significant role in helping people grow, heal and make positive change in their lives and relationships. Thus, my new path to becoming a relationship therapist unfolded.
In January 2022, I commenced my Master’s Degree in Couples and Family Therapy at the University of Colorado, Denver. Here I was exposed to the modality of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), whose primary aim is to work with our attachment systems to promote secure connections. This evidenced based modality fits perfectly with the therapeutic work I aspire to do with clients. I am currently taking the advanced training for EFT and will complete this training in spring 2024. Additionally, I am actively working on a couples and sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance. I am passionate about bringing together EFT and sex therapy to create a space where individuals can be truly seen and loved without shame or judgment.
I am thrilled to be working with Rachel at RCC Colorado and am eager to assist you and your partner/family in restoring and deepening the connection you have been yearning for, so that you can be truly seen and known by each other.
If you feel my work might be a good fit for your needs please click the link below to schedule a free consultation!
“In insecure relationships, we disguise our vulnerabilities so our partner never really sees us.” — Sue Johnson, founder of EFT.
“We often mistake feeling less for feeling better.” – Edith Eger
RELEVANT EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- BA Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder 1992
- JD, Golden Gate University School of Law 1995
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Expected graduation August 2024
- Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship, April 2023
- Emotionally Focused Therapy Core Skills, October 2023 – expected completion May 2024
- Sexual Health Alliance sex therapy certification program, Expected completion August 2024
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- AAMFT: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- ICEEFT: The International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
- SHA: Sexual Health Alliance
- Delta Kappa International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society