About

Hi. I’m Samantha, Marriage and Family Therapist, who specializes in working with pre-teens, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy building rapport with children and teens, highlighting their strengths, and providing a safe space for them to express their emotions and learn new skills. I am equally as passionate about providing a supportive, comfortable, non-judgmental environment for adults to process emotions, increase self-awareness, and create new habits for personal wellness.

My Approach

Each individual comes to therapy with unique needs, strengths, and resources. I prioritize creating a safe and culturally sensitive space for individuals to engage in meaningful reflection. I believe in building a foundation based on pre-existing strengths and integrating evidenced based interventions that are the best fit for the individual. I have found that integrating Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment based strategies, and Trauma Informed practices that includes use of a Psychodynamic approach, yields positive outcomes across populations.

Who am I?

Many of my family members are teachers, and I began developing a passion for serving others after observing their many years of service to children and families. While I value the privilege to provide support to others in my career, I also value maintaining personal balance and self-care. I gravitate towards spending a lot of my free time with family and friends, however, I often enjoy a solo walk or bike ride with my AirPods in! I also like to exercise my creative side through event planning and celebrating family and friends’ milestones. I practice appreciating the small things and I value genuine connection with others.

Education

  • Masters of Science in Counselor Education, Marriage, Child, and Family Counseling: California State University, Sacramento.

  • Pupil Personnel Services Credential: California State University, Sacramento.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Westmont College

Experience and Supplemental Training

  • I have had the privilege of working with all ages from diverse backgrounds for the last 6 years in schools, community agencies, and via Telehealth. I completed my pre-graduate training hours working with adults and children diagnosed with PTSD using the TF-CBT model. I went on to continue practicing with all ages experiencing depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.

  • Completion of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools, Part 1 and Part 2: Sponsored by 3-C Institute for Social Development and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2018)

  • Completion for InPlace® Workshop: SafeSide Youth Services Suicide Prevention Training (2022)