MEET OUR Directors

Ilsa Araki, M.A., LPC-S, SEP, BASE-P, CFRC, ACEP

Founder & Clinical Director

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.

I’m the Founder and Clinical Director of Northshore Family Counseling’s group practice. When I was entrusted with this practice, it was a solo endeavor. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of growing it into a thriving, collaborative team dedicated to trauma-informed, somatic, and relational care. At the heart of our practice is a belief that healing begins in the presence of safety, compassion, and connection. It’s an honor to help create a space where people feel supported, empowered, and deeply seen – whether you’re a client seeking care, a clinician joining our team, or a fellow professional seeking guidance.

I specialize in trauma-informed care through a somatic and attachment-based lens. My clinical work is grounded in the body’s natural wisdom and the healing potential of secure, attuned relationships. With gentle curiosity and care, I help clients explore the lasting effects of trauma and rediscover a sense of regulation, resilience, and inner coherence.

A Personal Mission

My commitment to this work is deeply personal. Like many of the individuals I support, I have walked my own healing path. My experiences navigating trauma, both the helpful and harmful encounters along the way, shaped my belief in the importance of competent, compassionate, and embodied care. These experiences continue to fuel my dedication to creating spaces where people feel safe enough to heal and fully seen in their process.

The Vision Behind the Practice

This group practice was born from a vision: to offer something relational, inclusive, and deeply respectful of the complexities of trauma. We proudly serve a diverse and dynamic community, and we’re committed to honoring the full humanity of each person we encounter.

We approach trauma with sensitivity to how it affects the nervous system, the body, and one’s ability to feel safe in connection. As a team, we center our work in relational integrity, somatic awareness, and the belief that healing happens in the context of presence and trust.

A Culture of Growth and Learning

A core part of our practice’s identity is our team culture. I’m deeply committed to creating an environment where clinicians can thrive – where learning is ongoing, mutual support is foundational, and authenticity is welcomed.

As a Board-Approved Supervisor and consultant, I support both new and experienced clinicians in developing greater confidence and depth in their work, especially in areas such as trauma reprocessing, somatic awareness, and attachment repatterning. Our team is continually engaged in professional growth, staying connected to the evolving field of trauma healing while bringing our whole selves into the work.

Clinical Background

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) with advanced training in body-based, relational, and trauma-focused modalities, including:

• Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR®)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Relational Bodywork and Somatic Education Practitioner (BASE-P)
• Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience (DARe)
• Brainspotting
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi and Pennsylvania (virtual only)

I also hold certifications as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC), Certified Animal-Assisted Play Therapist, and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. My academic training includes a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and I am an active member of Somatic Experiencing International and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Consultation & Collaboration

In addition to my clinical work, I provide consultation for new group practice owners, helping them build trauma-informed, values-driven practices from the ground up. I also offer clinical consultation to Somatic Experiencing® students and practitioners, supporting their development as they integrate body-based approaches into their work.

I regularly assist with Somatic Experiencing® trainings, and I deeply value the opportunity to mentor others in this powerful healing model.

Whether I’m working with clients, colleagues, or students, my goal is always the same: to foster safety, integrity, and connection in service of deep and lasting transformation.

Life Outside the Office

While this work is truly a calling for me, I also find balance and joy in life outside the therapy room. When I’m not working, I recharge by spending time with my family, hiking with my dogs, running, cycling, racing, reading, and traveling. I love immersing myself in new cultures and meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which reminds me of the shared humanity that connects us all.

Thank you for taking a moment to get to know me and the heart behind this practice. Whether you’re looking for support, connection, or collaboration, I’m honored to be part of your journey.

Warmly,
Ilsa Araki, LPC-S, SEP, BASE-P, CFRC, NCC
Founder & Clinical Director

Amanda Williams, M.S., LPC, CCPT-2, NCC

Assistant Clinical Director

Welcome – I am so glad you’re here.

As the Assistant Clinical Director at Northshore Family Counseling, I am honored to support our mission of providing trauma-informed, relational, and body-aware care. I entered this work with a deep passion for walking alongside individuals and families on their healing journeys, providing a space where clients feel seen, respected, and empowered to reconnect with their inner resilience.

Who I Work With

I specialize in trauma-informed care for individuals, adolescents, couples, first responders, and their families, with particular sensitivity to how trauma can shape relationships, identity, and the nervous system. My clinical experience includes working with youth, adults, neurodivergent clients, first responders, and military populations. I am especially honored to support those navigating:

– Complex PTSD and developmental trauma
– Attachment wounds and relational challenges
– Anxiety, depression, and addiction recovery
– Life transitions, grief, and stress-related overwhelm
– Autism Spectrum experiences and neurodivergence

How I Work

I offer an integrative, personalized approach rooted in compassion, collaboration, and client-centered care. I believe healing happens in the presence of an attuned relationship and deep trust. My work combines body-based, evidence-informed modalities including:

– Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR®)
– Somatic Experiencing® (SE™)
– Family Systems and Attachment-Based Approaches
– Neurodivergence-affirming practices
– Trauma recovery grounded in safety and empowerment

Every client brings their own lived wisdom into the room. My role is to honor that wisdom while offering tools, reflection, and presence that support integration, regulation, and lasting change.

A Commitment to Attuned, Trauma-Informed Care

At the core of my work is a belief that people thrive when they feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. As a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), I am committed to staying current with research-backed practices while consistently bringing warmth and authenticity to the therapy space.

At Northshore, I also support our team’s ongoing development by mentoring clinicians and helping to foster a culture of learning, integrity, and relational depth. It is a privilege to grow alongside a team so deeply committed to healing.

Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of my clinical work, you’ll often find me hiking or biking outdoors, reading with a cup of coffee in hand, or spending time with my family, friends, and beloved furry companions. I also find grounding and joy in my faith and church community, which has been a meaningful part of my personal and professional life.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Whether you are a client seeking healing or a fellow clinician connecting for collaboration, I look forward to meeting you where you are—with care, presence, and hope.

Warmly,
Amanda Williams, LPC, CCTP-II, NCC
Assistant Clinical Director