PuttingFamilyFirst

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WS Portrait of Willie Simmons
Online therapist

Willie Simmons

Supportive, practical therapy for parents

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Credentials
MD, LCSW-C
Experience
30 years
Licensed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Willie

Willie Simmons is a licensed clinician who focuses on common family and parenting concerns alongside other everyday problems. He uses straightforward talk and steady listening to help people untangle stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and parenting challenges. He keeps language clear and practical so parents can read and decide quickly whether to reach out.

Willie trained in social work and also holds an MD. He has practiced for 30 years and has experience in crisis intervention, individual therapy, group work, and case management.

Background and approach

That mix of background guides a pragmatic approach in sessions. In meetings he listens first to what is happening now. Then he helps identify small changes that can make daily life easier.

He often uses step-by-step strategies to reduce worry and change unhelpful habits. His toolkit includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Those methods are used to set goals, rewrite unhelpful stories, and find workable solutions that fit a family’s life.

Willie offers care remotely from Maryland. Sessions are held by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging so families can pick what fits their schedule. He aims to help parents and guardians feel more capable, less overwhelmed, and clearer about next steps.

Approaches that work well online for parents

Willie often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. CBT breaks problems into small parts and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety and change unhelpful habits. He also draws on Solution-Focused Therapy to help people set short-term goals and try practical steps that can improve daily family routines.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist listens to your priorities and suggests techniques based on your goals and preferences. Together you decide whether to focus on skill-building, changing thought patterns, or looking at life stories to find new options.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging to make care more flexible. These formats let parents fit sessions around school and work, try brief check-ins, or use written messages when that is easier. The variety of options helps caregivers pick what feels most manageable while working toward clearer routines and less stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Narrative Therapy

Looking at the story you have come to tell about yourself, and where it came from. The work is in separating the problem from your identity and finding accounts that fit you better.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Willie address?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem struggles, career questions, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, LGBT-related concerns, seasonal affective disorder, and self-harm focus areas.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are straightforward and conversational. The emphasis is on listening first, setting clear goals, and trying practical steps that fit everyday family life.
How long has he been practicing?
He brings 30 years of experience working in crisis intervention, individual therapy, group therapy, and case management.
What are his credentials and location?
He holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, LCSW-C, with license number MD LCSW-C 20930, and practices from Maryland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what works best.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a session based on the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
30 years
Licensed
Maryland
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Willie

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  • Stop at any point
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