Zulma Williams – Turning Trauma into Triumph with Radical Honesty

Zulma Williams never set out to be a therapist. She grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the youngest of three children, navigating the complexities of a divided family. When her parents separated, Zulma became her mother’s primary emotional support. The weight of that responsibility grew heavier as she faced depression and suicidal thoughts in her teenage years. Yet, Zulma never saw herself as a victim. She was determined to rise above the circumstances that tried to break her.

But life kept throwing punches. By the time she was 31, Zulma found herself back in her mother’s house—unemployed, single, and feeling stuck. It was the unexpected death of her cousin that finally sparked her next bold move: leaving Argentina for the United States.

The Leap of Faith to America

When Zulma arrived in Los Angeles in 1996, it felt like stepping into a movie. Christmas lights glowed against the California night, and for a moment, everything seemed magical. But reality soon set in—new language, new culture, and the harsh realization that the American dream wouldn’t be handed to her.

Her first job? Working in a laundromat. Far from glamorous, but it was a start. As she moved from one low-wage job to another, Zulma kept pushing forward. Even after moving to Las Vegas and enduring the scorching summer heat while working in a dry cleaner, she never gave up. When that job ended abruptly—after she dared to call her manager a “f*ing b**”—Zulma did what she always did: she adapted.

A Journey of Reinvention

It wasn’t until her early 40s that Zulma decided to go back to school. Accounting had become her day job, but her real passion was helping people. So, at 42, she enrolled in a social work program. Her friends back in Argentina thought she was crazy. In their culture, changing careers at that age seemed absurd. But Zulma knew her lived experience made her uniquely qualified to become a therapist.

Her plan was to be independently licensed by age 50. But six weeks after earning her bachelor’s degree, life interrupted her again: breast cancer. Zulma chose to move back to Argentina for treatment, spending precious final months with her mother, who passed away unexpectedly in 2013. The loss was profound, but in hindsight, Zulma felt grateful that her mother had witnessed her growth and success.

Finding Purpose in Radical Honesty

In 2015, Zulma returned to the United States, determined to finish what she started. At 50, she completed her master’s degree and became a licensed clinical social worker. Now based in Las Vegas, she runs Dragonfly Therapy Services, where her direct approach sets her apart from the typical therapist.

Clients come to Zulma because they’re tired of sugar-coated advice. She swears, she’s brutally honest, and she doesn’t let anyone wallow in self-pity. When someone comes in with trauma, anxiety, or depression, she meets them with both compassion and a fierce determination to break through their barriers.

One of her most powerful tools is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Instead of making clients relive their trauma repeatedly, ART allows them to “rewrite” painful memories in just one to three sessions. The goal isn’t to erase the past but to remove its emotional sting, giving clients the power to move forward without being haunted by old wounds.

Empowering Others to Own Their Stories

Zulma doesn’t just help clients manage their pain; she empowers them to rewrite their own stories. Whether it's guiding a survivor of childhood abuse or helping someone overcome the aftermath of a car accident, she uses ART to replace the old mental “movie” with one that leaves clients feeling strong and in control.

Her unorthodox methods don’t resonate with everyone. She’s the first to admit that her style—raw, real, and unapologetically direct—is not for everyone. But for those who seek radical honesty, Zulma is a breath of fresh air.

Key Takeaways from Zulma Williams’ Journey

1. It’s never too late to change your path – Zulma earned her master’s degree at 50 and built a thriving therapy practice.

2. Trauma doesn’t define you—your response does – Zulma learned to face her pain head-on, and now she helps others do the same.

3. Own your story – Whether it’s surviving cancer or changing careers, Zulma teaches that resilience comes from embracing every chapter.

4. Authenticity attracts the right people – Zulma’s no-nonsense approach filters out those looking for easy fixes and draws in those ready to do the work.

5. Transformation requires action – Zulma doesn’t just talk about change; she lives it, showing that consistency and passion lead to real growth.

Today, Zulma continues to push her clients to be real, be resilient, and—most importantly—be their own heroes. Whether it’s through therapy sessions or her candid social media presence, she remains a powerful advocate for mental wellness and personal transformation.

Learn more about Zulma’s practice at Dragonfly Therapy Services and connect on social media to get a dose of unfiltered inspiration.