Your Journey to
hEALING Starts Here
Welcome to Guided Steps Counseling where every conversation is geared towards understanding and supporting you on your journey. We're here to listen and help you discover the path that's right for you.
Who We Are
At Guided Steps Counseling, we are committed to providing personalized, effective therapy services to individuals in the Long Beach, CA and surrounding areas (Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Lakewood, Torrance, Inglewood) through in-person and telehealth services.
meet the therapist behind your healing
Claudia M. Williams, LCSW
#135815
I'm Claudia Williams, LCSW, and for over 20 years, I've had the privilege of walking alongside children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate some of life's most difficult moments. My work is grounded in a deep commitment to both my clients and the communities I serve.
Throughout my career, I've worked with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and explored the ways these experiences quietly shape every area of life.
I became a therapist because I believe healing is for all of us — and I know that for many in our communities, finding care that feels safe has not always been easy. Culturally affirming care isn't a checkbox for me. It's woven into the way I listen, the way I ask questions, and the way I show up for every client I serve. Whether you're a Black client seeking a therapist who truly gets it, or someone from any background looking for a space that centers warmth, respect, and authenticity, you belong here.
My therapeutic style centers on meeting you exactly where you are. I create a safe, collaborative space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. I believe deeply in empowerment—helping you recognize your own resilience, increase your autonomy, strengthen your self-esteem, and develop practical tools for lasting change.
I use an integrative, evidence-based approach that includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address unhelpful thought patterns and build coping skills
Solution-Focused Therapy to identify your strengths and create forward movement
Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic Therapy to explore early relational patterns and unconscious influences
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
Trauma-Informed Therapy to ensure safety, stabilization, and thoughtful processing of difficult experiences
I'm committed to walking alongside you with compassion and clarity as you heal, grow, and move toward a life defined not by your past, but by your strength and possibility.
Small Steps Meaningful Change
“Meaningful change in therapy doesn’t happen all at once. It is quietly stitched together through small, consistent, and courageous choices. In therapy, we don't have to overhaul your life overnight. By focusing on one manageable shift—one new boundary, one moment of self-compassion, one breath at a time—we build the momentum necessary for profound, sustainable healing. The smallest step in the right direction is still a step forward.”