About Me.
I’m Samantha, a licensed therapist with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Since 2021, I’ve been dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their unique challenges through a strengths-based approach. With advanced training in Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy, I tailor my methods to meet the specific needs of each client, always aiming to uncover the values and strengths that may have become buried over time.
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My passion for therapy stems from a deep belief in the power of connection and healing. I specialize in couples and relational work, drawing on Systems Theory to help clients navigate the complexities of their relationships. I thrive in supporting those experiencing significant life transitions or profound grief, whether it’s due to bereavement, divorce, medical diagnoses, job loss, or any other of the myriad of ways the universe knocks us off our feet. While I can't take away the pain of these loss events, I am here to bear witness to it, ensuring that no one has to walk through dark times alone.
I believe that every client is the expert in their own life; my role is to guide and facilitate the therapeutic process, helping you explore and find your path forward. My journey through various life transitions, including divorce and the loss of loved ones, has deepened my commitment to being a source of light for others during their struggles.
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I acknowledge the privilege that comes from being a white, cisgender, heterosexual, and able-bodied woman--and the responsibility that brings. I am dedicated to actively challenging and dismantling oppressive systems that impact marginalized communities, and as a result, weaken our society as a whole. As an ally, I strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every individual—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status—feels valued and heard.
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Outside of therapy, I enjoy the comforts of home—whether I'm reading, playing video games, or tending to my garden (when I manage to plan ahead!). I love kayaking and paddle-boarding on local lakes whenever the weather allows. I also share my life with a wonderful child and a menagerie of pets, all of whom keep my days vibrant and full of joy (and so many messes).
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I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and fulfillment.
Learn more about my therapeutic modalities.
Gottman Method
Level 2
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Schwartz Gottman, focusing on enhancing relationships by helping couples understand their interactions and communication patterns. Central to the method is the Sound Relationship House Theory, which emphasizes building a strong foundation of friendship, trust, and shared goals. It also teaches effective strategies for managing conflict, enabling couples to navigate disagreements in a healthy way. By fostering emotional intimacy and understanding, the Gottman Method aims to help couples create a harmonious and fulfilling partnership, promoting healthy communication and emotional support.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Externship, Core Skills I & II
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is a structured approach to couples therapy that focuses on fostering emotional connections and attachment between partners. The method is based on the premise that strong emotional bonds are crucial for relationship stability and satisfaction. EFT involves identifying and reshaping negative interaction patterns that lead to conflict and disconnection. Through the process, couples learn to express their needs and emotions more openly, creating a secure attachment and deeper intimacy. Ultimately, EFT aims to help partners strengthen their emotional bond, improve communication, and enhance their overall relationship satisfaction.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Foundations, ACT for Grief & loss, ACT for Relationships
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to values-driven actions. Developed by Dr. Steven C. Hayes, ACT encourages clients to confront uncomfortable emotions and thoughts without judgment, promoting psychological flexibility. By using techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values clarification, clients learn to break free from unhelpful patterns and engage more fully in life. The ultimate goal of ACT is to help individuals live a meaningful life in alignment with their core values, even in the face of challenges or difficult emotions.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of the stories individuals tell about their lives. Developed by Michael White and David Epston, this method posits that people create meaning through their narratives, which can influence their identities and experiences. In Narrative Therapy, therapists work with clients to identify and re-author these stories, helping them separate themselves from problems and view their lives from a new perspective. By exploring alternative narratives, clients can discover their strengths, values, and resources, empowering them to create a more hopeful and fulfilling future. The goal is to help individuals reshape their identities and lives by recognizing the power of their own stories.
Systems Theory
Systems Theory is a framework used in therapy that views individuals as part of larger relational and social systems, such as families, couples, or communities. This approach recognizes that behaviors and patterns cannot be fully understood in isolation but are influenced by interactions within these systems. Developed from the work of theorists like Murray Bowen and Salvador Minuchin, Systems Theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of relationships and how changes in one part of a system can affect the whole. In therapy, this perspective helps clients explore dynamics within their relationships, identify patterns of behavior, and understand how these patterns contribute to problems. The goal is to promote healthier interactions and communication, ultimately leading to improved functioning within the system as a whole.