About Samantha

I have always been particularly drawn to noticing, listening to, and appreciating people and their unique stories and personalities. I believe each person is unquestionably valuable and irreplaceable, and I’m passionate about helping people learn to cherish themselves as such. I recognize that certain experiences can have a way of wounding us and clouding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, but I believe having a safe space to open up, explore, and process our own story can help us begin to heal and move forward with a new appreciation of who we are and, more importantly, who we want to be. 

I began my journey toward becoming a therapist at California Lutheran University (CLU), where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018. I then received a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MFT) with a specialization in trauma in 2021 from the same university. During my time in graduate school, I received direct counseling experience at CLU’s Community Counseling Services, where I worked primarily with adults and adolescents. 

My counseling style is primarily Emotion-Focused (EFT) with a Client-Centered approach, however I also like to integrate systemic thinking, especially when working with families. I also favor mindfulness-based counseling techniques and often use somatic exercises during sessions to help clients learn to calm and synchronize their mind and body as we explore the dynamic influences that have shaped the way they experience the world. Additionally, as a trauma-informed therapist I believe it is essential to provide my clients with psychoeducation surrounding the various physiological, psychological, and emotional effects of trauma to help them understand, validate, and have compassion for themselves as they reflect on their experiences. My goal is to help my clients learn to feel safe and “at home” in their own body so that they can confidently move forward into the beautiful life they deserve.