Who is this guy?

Scott is a black belt, has his MA in psychology and philosophy, is a licensed marriage officiant, a clinical counsellor, a cognitive behavioral therapist, and writes comedy and is focused on helping people achieve real change.

For almost thirty years he has been working with people and families who struggle with addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, spirituality and relationship issues.

He is currently finishing his book, “Living in the Margins: Life for people who don’t fit in”.

Scott shares amusing and insightful thoughts like why men should never worry about fulfilling themselves sexually in a relationship, why punishing your kid for doing drugs is counter-productive, and how both depression and anxiety are manageable but most people will never pay the price.

Scott is available for online counselling (Skype, by appointment), has a weekly mailing list, and speaks nationally and internationally about a variety of subjects using humour and penetrating honesty.

93 thoughts on “Who is this guy?”

  1. Hi Scott,
    Thank you for following and reading my blog. I have really enjoyed stopping in at yours and reading. You have helped me gain some insights on things here and there.

    Reply

  3. Thanks for dropping by my blog. I wouldn’t have found you otherwise. The post about How to Pick Up Vulnerable Women was eye opening. I’ve got to read more of your posts.

    Reply
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  11. Hi Scott,

    Thanks for your positive comments on “My boss is a narcissist” post. You have an interesting blog, psychology is one of the most interesting and broad disciplines around. Looking forward to hearing more about your book.

    Cheers,

    Niklas

    Reply

  12. Thank you for checking out my blog. I really appreciate it (though that expression sounds overused. But I mean it.).

    Reply

  14. Thanks for checking out my blog and liking a post. I’ve come here to check out yours as well and I like it! I am looking forward to reading more of your posts. Godspeed.

    Reply
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    1. I have fans?
      If I drew myself as a part of nature not human what would I draw?

      So many options. Wish I could draw myself as a lion, but that is very presumptuous. A rat because of their persistence (had a rat once, extremely playful).
      Sadly I value loyalty above all other virtues, so I’ll probably end up as a dog, though I prefer a wolf because they are badass and mate for life. I was once chased by a pack of wolves while on a snowmobile in northern Alberta, majestic, hairy and free. I want to be free.

      Reply

      1. Do you have fans … I don’t know, just wait half an hour while I go and count the Gravatars up there … LOL.

        Scott darling, you have to go and answer the question on *my* blog!! LOL. Are you a Leo?? Would you be so kind as to pop over and just copy/paste your answer on my blog? I’d be so grateful and I know what a nice man you are from your caring blog which tries effortlessly to help people.

        And dogs are the best; nothing tops their loyalty. Getting chased by a pack of wolves on a majestic, hairy snowmobile. Maybe they thought you were an interloping wolf? 😉

        http://tfaswift.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/not-human/

  21. Thanks for checking out my blog, and cheers for the like! You seem to write some pretty wicked stuff, so I will totally be hanging around 🙂 I love the fact that you get what people want – “” councilors that don’t suck”
    oh and goodluck with the book!

    Reply

  26. Hi there, thanks for ‘like’ing my post. I’m not sure it that’s a good thing or a bad thing. LOL
    I saw your photo of the baby on “LIfe is Boring” and it reminded me of one I took of my grandson. You also have the same thoughts, grandkids are great. Enjoy, and thanks again!
    Dwayne

    Reply

  28. Thank you for checking out standingonmyowntwofeet….I certainly have had some life experience that makes me a clinician’s dream (or nightmare!!). Happy to be healing…and learning how to live life–not just as a pretender who can handle brain surgeries, an unhealthy marriage, a rape and an eating disorder with a smile on her face–but as someone who is moving from victim to survivor to thriver. It’s not so tongue-in-cheek to say that a year ago I wasn’t standing on my own two feet–physically, the neuro disorder had taken that from me–I can say it is true physically (and sometimes I showoff by balancing on one foot!!) and in a proverbial sense, too. Looking forward to hearing all you have to say.KJ

    Reply

      1. I want to live freely…and I am determined to do all the ‘work’ to get there. It’s painful…and with regaining emotion (restriction is a “great” way to do away with emotion!), I can work through the uncomfortable stuff…I’ve also regained my spunk–and my genuine laughter–and true smile. Those are the pieces I try to remind myself of as flashbacks or nightmares or tears threaten to overwhelm me. They will pass…they have and they do…and the real me is there. It’s not the me I was…and I am happy with who I am now…and I look forward to seeing the me I will become. What a process this is.

  33. Pingback: Who is this guy? « elysebontrager's Blog

  38. Wow, I read your blogs and thought you were really smart because you have a lot of weight and depth in your posts. Then I read your About Me page and it all made sense! I appreciate you visiting my blog and liking my posts it is very encouraging to have a professional like yourself support my writing. Thank you for being such an insightful and supportive indiviudal. 🙂 I will definately look into your book and look forward to reading more amazing posts :).

    Reply

  39. Thanks for reading my post and liking it. Have read your blog about washing up and men. Funny. All the best, G

    Reply

  40. Thanks for visiting my blog, glad you liked my poem…the funniest things are happening to me today, just read your “Who is this guy” and stumbled across your book title “Living in the Margins: Life for people who don’t fit in”, that suits me so well…cant wait to find out what it is about!!!
    Have a wonderful day.

    Reply

      1. not fitting in is also much more fun!!!! And people tend to get stuck while trying to fit a specific, apparent common agreed typ of lifestyle…hmmm…

      2. in my book i’m writing i dedicate an entire chapter to the phenomenon of the 80%. 80% of people seem to have very similar personalities – outgoing but appropriate, non-confrontational, dockers – you know… teachers.

  42. I’m so pleased you stopped by my blogsite (www.DevonTexas.WordPress.com) and liked my posting about “Depression”. I’m getting well-known for my writings about depression and dialysis which is sorta awkward. But I know how depressing it is to be hooked up to a machine for hours a week. It gives one time to ponder their “quality of life”. Anyway, very glad to make your acquaintance and I am now following your blog and look forward to reading it for inspiration.

    Reply

  43. I really like your book title! I am about to go to a new psychologist (last one moved to sunny Florida) to help deal with chronic pain. I hope she doesn’t suck! I’ve never Skyped, but I may be contacting you. I’ve been locked in a nasty cycle of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, on meds for nearly 20 years…loved you post about depression shouldn’t be a terminal illness.

    Reply

    1. I work at a chronic pain/fibromyalgia clinic. Drop me a line (info@scott-williams.ca) with what the doctor recommends and I’ll give you my opinion based on what our clinic traditionally does, if you want. I work with the best Fibromyalgia guy in the business and he’s a genius at diagnostics. No charge, I’ll just email you back, if you so desire.

      Reply

      1. Thank you so much! That is such a kind offer, and I will definitely take you up on it.

  45. “Living in the Margins: Life for people who don’t fit in”.
    Yes – there are plenty of us who don’t fit in! (grin) All the best with your book. Does your Skype counseling cost much?

    Reply

      3. Sounds good, except that I think there would be a problem about anonymity. I think PayPal would not let my credit card details be known, but it would still have my name on the PayPal account. Due to no court case, and no convictions, it’s best to remain anonymous I believe. Also, the thing about the internet, is that it is by nature an insecure and non-confidential method of communication. It does interest me, though, the online counseling. I’m enjoying what I’m reading so far on your blog! All the best.

      6. Would you ever offer counselling directly on a blog via comments and replies, in public view?
        (Jessie – formerly No Fear In Love)

      11. Scott, can you please describe exactly where you stand on the issue of licensed counsellors, and online counselling?
        Thanks, Jessie.

      12. Great Question!
        I’ve made it fairly obvious how I feel about alot of counselors, regardless of format. Licensing is good for accountability and quality assurance although a majority of counselors don’t need to fork out $245/yr to keep current when they get hired by the government who is accountable, provides insurance, credibility, etc. Licensing agencies work best for independent contractors who cannot count on a sponsoring agency to provide for their needs.
        Regarding online counseling I personally use Skype etc. because I need the face to face contact for micro-expressions, authenticity, empathy and relationship building. It isn’t as good as one-on-one live but it’s better than suffering without help or accessing the locals if they suck.

        At the end of the day it’s about excellence. You only have one life and you need to access the best you can get, period. You need a counselor who is beyond good, who is over a certain age, has had experience not just theory, is intuitive, involved, interactive, intelligent, and extremely empathetic. I would never go to a counselor who didn’t have strong opinions either. I’m not interested in paying for someone who doesn’t have a ton of amazing input.

        I rarely recommend psychiatrists, for a myriad of reasons. I work with psychologists, clinical counselors, psychotherapists, social workers, even christian counselors. At the end of the day it’s about the relationship with the individual. It’s also about not paying 162.50 to a psychologist if you can get a clinical counselor or psychotherapist who is just as good.

        I NEVER recommend a person of faith go to a counselor of faith who is not as good as a secular counselor. I have never met a decent counselor who would denigrate a person’s faith and most of them know a lot more scripture than you might think.

        Conversely I personally would see an unaccredited person on the drop of the hat if that person was the best – in spite of their education, affiliation, background, anything. Accreditation has VERY LITTLE to do with quality and I personally know several accredited, licensed, PhD’s I wouldn’t send my worst enemy to.

        So, long enough answer for you?

        You can always contact me directly at info@scott-williams.ca but I have had several inquiries in the same arena lately and thought it warranted a public answer. Good Luck!

      13. I very much appreciate your answer, thank you Scott. Thanks for your patience too. I do see potential for online therapy, seeing as there are a lot of people who use online means of communication these days. I know of top-of-their-field experts who did not acquire their knowledge and expertise through standard means of education. They end up being given ‘honorary degrees’ by universities. (One example, Ruud Kleinpaste, “the Bug Man,” is a self-taught entomologist.) I think really that a university likes to have its name attached to the expert. I’m also pondering the whole anonymity issue too, in regards to Skype etc. To a large degree, I think one has to take into account the lack of privacy that invades the modern world, and get over it. The legal side of it is still important. For instance, a licensed counsellor must abide by certain regulations, such as rules of confidentiality. Is there any legal requirement of confidentiality for an unlicensed counsellor? Does it become purely a matter of trust?
        I like long answers. Thanks again.
        Jessie.

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