THANKFUL & GRATEFUL
Pam Williams
Circle Park Treatment Director
“I was always grateful to serve patients in any capacity but was especially excited to join an agency that demonstrates excellence and dedication to the Florence community.” For many decades, addiction was viewed as a simple, one dimensional condition: criminal. It was primarily met with punishment and individuals struggling with substance use were thoughtlessly categorized as having “weakness of the mind” and “moral failings.” However, addiction proved to be a far more complicated issue than previously thought. Today, addiction is recognized as a complex and chronic disease of the brain, involving psychological reward, motivation, and memory. Like other chronic diseases, addiction has demonstrated familial heritability, the capacity to be influenced by biopsychosocial factors, and a positive response to medical and therapeutic treatment. The American Medical Association officially recognized addiction as a disease in 1987 and it was declared a medical subspecialty in 1990. There is a high prevalence of childhood trauma and stress-inducing events in the backgrounds of many struggling with addiction, which is why professional counseling is one of the most crucial aspects of treatment. Circle Park Behavioral Health Services is proud to employ an outstanding treatment team dedicated to helping those on the path to recovery. At the forefront of 36
VIPMagSC.com
November 2021
this team is Pam Williams (LPC/S, LPC, CS, MAC, LAC, SAP), the Director of Outpatient Treatment Services, who has devoted her career to helping individuals overcome addiction and lead stable, more fulfilling lives. Ms. Williams is a Florence native and graduated with her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 2004. One of her driving motivations to enter the field was her interest in psychology and desire to help those in need. Addiction is a widespread issue affecting individuals from all backgrounds and communities and she recognized it as an area she could make a notable difference. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys fitness and recently completed the Cooper River Bridge Run in Mount Pleasant, SC and is participating in her first obstacle course in less than two weeks. She is also a devoted animal lover and has a pet rabbit named Bif, whom she adores very much. She began her counseling career at the Spring Branch Detox Center located in Marion, SC in 2004 and transitioned to Circle Park in 2005 as the Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Coordinator, which she held for 11 years. For 8 of those 11 years,
