Specialty Areas:
- Addiction/Substance Abuse
- Anxiety Disorder
- Mood Disorders
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Stress Management
- PTSD/Trauma
- LGBTQ+ Affirming
- Interpersonal Communication
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Work/Life Balance
- Holistic Health
Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who completed her Masters degree at Adler University in Chicago. While at Adler, Samantha also obtained her Certificate for Substance Abuse Counseling (CADC) and is recognized as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). To better serve her clients, Samantha went on to obtain her Clinical Trauma Professional Certification (CCTP). Samantha has a history of working with individuals with a variety of challenges, primarily treating those who suffer from dual diagnoses. Previously, Samantha has worked in a residential setting as well as an outpatient setting providing IOP, family, couples, and group therapy services as well.
With a client-centered approach, Samantha likes to utilize an assortment of therapeutic techniques in her sessions. Samantha guides people through their personal challenges, helps ease emotional burdens, and empower individuals to achieve a healthier mindset. With an improved outlook, clients can pursue new fulfilling ways to live in both their professional and personal lives.
Outside of therapy Samantha is most likely in a coffee shop or baking in her kitchen. Samantha enjoys being a tourist in her own city, enjoying the presence of live music, dancing without conviction, hiking, and spending time with loved ones and her rescue dog.
I am a therapist because I am passionate about self-discovery, exploration, and healing. It always felt natural to me to be in the position to offer empathy, unapologetic acceptance, and compassion. People need a space to be vulnerable, a place for their thoughts and everyday struggles to be safe. For me to be able to create that space for someone is an absolute honor.
1. What attracted you to being a psychotherapist?
My approach is always client centered with a motivational interviewing influence. There is no one size fits all approach to therapy so each session is unique, and each client will be exposed to different techniques based on the needs of the individual. I apply holistic methods that individuals can learn and use on their own outside of sessions.
2. How would you describe your approach with your clients?
“If we start being honest about our pain, our anger, and our shortcomings instead of pretending they don’t exist, then maybe we’ll leave the world a better place than we found it.” —Russel Wilson
3. What's your favorite quote about mental health?
The most surprising thing about becoming a psychotherapist continues to be how I am constantly reminded that this job brings more positivity than expected. When becoming a therapist, there was a recurring theme of people asking, “How do you do it?” Although that was also my concern at a time, I have found that like with everything, there is balance. Of course, there are days that are extremely emotionally heavy, however, all days I leave feeling extremely inspired from my clients. My clients amaze me every day and they inspire me to be better.
4. What has surprised you the most about being a psychotherapist?
