I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia and also licensed in North Carolina. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2012. I have been independently licensed for ten years. I help my clients pursue the lives that they want to build by: 1) Helping them to identify areas that need change. 2) Guiding them through the acquisition of skills and development of strategies to effectively make that change 3) Supporting them as they work to implement the skills and strategies to achieve their goals.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session you can expect us to have a conversation that helps you to feel comfortable, heard, and understood. I will answer any questions you have about what you can expect from therapy and from me as your therapist. I will ask you questions about what you would like to see happen in our work together and how we both will know when we have been successful. You will definitely hear "how can I help?" and "is that helpful/does that make sense?" in this appointment. I want to be sure I understand what you want to work on so we can create a plan together to accomplish your goals. I also want to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in us being the right team to accomplish your goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is my authenticity and focus on the therapeutic alliance. Having worked with clients of all ages, from different parts of the country, with different life experiences, and different concerns that bring them in for treatment, I know that the most important factor that predicts success is a strong and collaborative therapeutic alliance. Because of this the therapeutic relationship is my first priority. Always.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My clients are people of all ages who are motivated to pursue change in their life, even if they are not entirely sure what that change might look like when they start therapy. I have extensive experience with and a special appreciation for military families and Veterans.
About Samantha Dunn
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) allows us to work together to focus on improving quality of life by being in the present and living in accordance with your values. It is a versatile intervention that has benefited countless people with a wide range of presenting issues. This is why it is often referred to as a “trans diagnostic” modality. I have seen clients make great progress with ACT even when other treatment options have failed.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy allows us to consider the ways that your thought patterns and beliefs influence your behavior and emotional experiences. We identify and challenge thoughts that are unhelpful or unrealistic (catch it, check it, change it). We will also use behavior exercises that help to improve quality of life and progress toward goals. My professional experience reflects the research: CBT interventions help clients get better.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy is a talk therapy modality used to treat symptoms resulting from trauma and PTSD. I have used CPT most often combat trauma. CPT is a 12-16 week commitment. It is challenging but it is effective and it is worth it as long as we do the work.
Supportive
Life is full of change and growth and that can often be an uncomfortable experience. When we experience transitions and the resulting stress we often can use extra support. Enter, supportive therapy! The goal here is for us to work together to help you to navigate the "bumps" in the road.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I started to use a Rogerian approach to counseling about ten years ago after it was introduced to me by a mentor. Sometimes, treatment options with clear agendas and homework are the best option for the client. Sometimes, being in a space that is non-judgmental and exists purely for you to consider what brought you to therapy and how to best confront it is a better fit. When that is the case, Person-centered therapy is the modality I generally use. More than anything, person-centered therapy is rooted in authenticity and trust. That was what drew me to the approach and why I continue to use it.