My name is Duane Williams, and I welcome you as the Director of New Connections Counselling Services. In October 2021, after 20 years of clinical experience in public sector mental health settings, I established New Connections (NC) Counselling Services with a mission to advance mental health through the provision of innovative, accessible counselling services.

 

In my past work, I have provided counselling to a diverse range of client groups, including homeless people with schizophrenia, LGBTQ people living with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, survivors of childhood trauma, people with substances use challenges and bereaved seniors, to name a few. My treatment specialties include anxiety, depression and PTSD. From a breadth of professional training and experience, I am well-prepared to support you or your loved ones in your quest:

● to (re)gain and retain hope,

● to better understand your abilities and/or disabilities,

● to actively engage in your life,

● to foster your personal autonomy,

● to (re)claim your social identities,

● to find meaning and purpose in your life,

● and to develop a positive sense of self.

 

I know firsthand what mental health recovery involves because I have been living it gratefully in my own life for many years. The knowledge that I have gained through lived experience with mental health informs the passion and commitment that I have for helping others on their quests for healing, self-determination and personal fulfillment. At NC, I strive to provide culturally relevant services that foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients, informed by the core values of community service, social justice, the dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, integrity and professional competence. In my work, I am driven by the conviction that mental health recovery is a quest that anyone can successfully undertake when connected with the right resources and supports.