Michael Williams, Psy.D, Senior Oncology Support Counselor
For 35 years, Wellness House has stood as a leader in supportive oncology—providing thousands of people with free programs that address the emotional, physical, and social challenges of cancer. At the heart of this work are staff members like Michael Williams, Psy.D., whose dedication and expertise help transform our mission into meaningful, everyday experiences for participants.
Michael has been part of the Wellness House community for over three decades, first joining the team in 1993 and returning in 1998. A licensed clinical psychologist with degrees from Loyola University Chicago and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, he brings deep clinical knowledge to his work—but it is his compassion and presence that participants remember most.
Each week, Michael leads up to ten support groups, offering space for individuals to share their fears, frustrations, hopes, and victories. Some groups gather people facing similar diagnoses; others welcome those who are just beginning their cancer journey or those coping with grief and loss. He also provides counseling to individuals, couples, and families, ensuring people can access support in whatever way they need it.
Michael’s work is a powerful example of what Wellness House strives to provide: a community where people quickly realize they are not alone. “Right away, they recognize that others understand their experiences,” he says. In each group, he witnesses the strength that comes from connection—people teaching one another, supporting one another, and finding resilience together.
These moments reflect a core belief that has guided Wellness House since its founding: treating a person with cancer goes far beyond medical care. True healing addresses the whole person—their emotions, relationships, identity, and well-being.
A former participant once shared that “Wellness House changes everything, and Wellness House changes nothing.” Their diagnosis remains, but the journey becomes less overwhelming because of the support they receive here.
Michael carries those words with him. “We don’t make the cancer go away,” he says. “But we can walk with people during one of the hardest experiences of their lives and help them feel stronger and more supported.”
As we celebrate 35 years of hope, stories like Michael’s remind us of the dedication and work happening every day through each individual staff member at Wellness House—work made possible by a community committed to ensuring no one faces cancer alone.
