"The most important thing in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. It is through this relationship that clients can experience healing, acceptance, and change. In a trusting relationship, the client can begin to explore not just their present struggles, but the unspoken and unresolved parts of their past. As the therapeutic relationship deepens, so does the possibility for transformation and emotional growth."
"Healing insecure attachment begins when someone feels truly seen, heard, and understood—when the presence of another offers the safety and validation that fosters trust and connection."
Hi, I’m Sam (She/Her),
a therapist who believes that therapy should be real, honest, and sometimes even a little uncomfortable—because growth doesn’t happen without challenge. Many of my clients come to me looking for a therapist who will both support and challenge them, offering direct feedback and helping them break through patterns that keep them stuck. I take a relational, no-nonsense approach, meaning I won’t sugarcoat things, and if I see something that needs to change, I’ll tell you. I also use humor (and a lot of swearing) because therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or stiff—it should feel like a real, meaningful connection that helps you create lasting change.
I specialize in ADHD in adulthood and family of origin trauma, particularly for those who grew up with emotionally immature or unavailable parents and are now working to heal from that in adulthood. My approach is relational and insight-oriented, blending Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and a systems perspective, always through a trauma-informed lens. Whether we’re processing deep emotional wounds or identifying how past patterns are showing up in your relationships today, my goal is to help you gain awareness, unlearn what’s not serving you, and build a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are.
I believe the client-therapist relationship should become a model for all other relationships in your life. In our work together, you’ll experience what it’s like to be truly seen, challenged, and supported—without judgment or pretense. If you’re looking for a therapist who will tell it like it is, hold space for the hard stuff, and help you break through the patterns keeping you stuck, I’d love to work with you.
LiCENSE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (Saint Xavier University, Chicago)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois #180015350
Completion of Brainspotting Phase I Training
Completion of Perinatal Mental Health for Black Women: Understanding the Transition to Parenthood in Cultural Context. Certificate Training
Completion of ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification Course.
I have supervised master’s-level students toward state licensure in a group setting at my alma mater, Roosevelt University. I have also completed a supervisor training program to further develop my skills in guiding new clinicians.
I have experience working with elementary school students with Autism, providing individualized support to help with emotional regulation, social skills, and sensory needs. In a separate setting, I also worked in a behavioral school for youth who had experienced trauma and were removed from public school, where I focused on crisis intervention, emotional support, and helping students build coping strategies. These experiences deepened my understanding of trauma, neurodiversity, and the impact of early life experiences on development, which continues to inform my work with adults today.
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Roosevelt University, Chicago.