Janaya Williams
Hi! My name is Janaya. I have a passion for social justice, and a strong interest in the exploration of intersectional issues impacting BIPOC.
I have a calm demeanor with light humor focused on creating a safe, non-judgemental, and supportive space for folks to explore many aspects of their thoughts, feelings, issues, and trauma, and meeting folks where they are at to build the therapeutic relationship to work through issues and towards their goals. I have an eclectic and adaptive approach to an individual’s needs including the utilization of CBT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, coping skills building, sex and body positivity. I have a trauma informed, person-centered, and strength based approach.
I have experience working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress related issues, substance use, personal and life challenges. Including adults, children, adolescents, families, as well as individuals of various cultural backgrounds, BIPOC folx, LGBTQIA+, gender identities, living with HIV/AIDS and Justice-Involved. I have experience working with QTBIPOC folx individually and as a group facilitator.
I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Master of Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.
More About Me.
Lover Of...
Storytelling
Let me listen to your story.
I love to take in a story and go on a journey of an experience. Whether it be a rap or r&b song that keeps me moving and inspired. Being moved by words and the melody they hold as poetry. Witnessing the power of storytelling up close in the moment in the form of theater and performance. I take privilege in being alongside folks during their journey’s and allowing a welcoming space for their stories.
Laughter
Let’s celebrate the beauty in you.
I love to laugh. If it’s a good movie, comedy show, performance, TV show, a good joke or just a dose of a good sense of humor. It can bring light to a space, to a person, to a mind, to heart, soul and body. I keep this in mind as a part of my toolkit in my work and approach, when light is necessary, It’s one of my most enjoyed freedoms outside of traveling, and it doesn’t cost anything.
Social Justice & Empowerment
You’re stronger than you think.
I have a strong commitment to showing up for communities and those of those communities of marginalization. I find it purposeful and joyful to engage in the amplification of their voices, change, expression and activism. Using these as foundation and catalyst for empowerment to the person and the community. I think one of the best tools I hope to create in my work with clients is a sense of empowerment to be able to lean on, as well as a reminder of all the power within you that brought you to and through each and every moment you experience.
