The most important gift you can give someone is sincerely listening to them, which is where I always start. I have worked in community mental health for 20 + years all over Chicago, mainly on the South and West Side, where I am from. I provide people with whatever skills and strategies needed to help anyone get the most out of counseling. I have been working exclusively on Grow Therapy since October of 2024, but have been on Grow Therapy part-time for a quite a while.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The most important place to start is to listen to you and figure out what you hope to get out of counseling. I also like to share information about myself as well to make sure you are able to make the best decision on whether or not we will be a good fit. I aim to keep sessions very relaxed, and want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Throughout my career I have worked in every setting you can think of, and every type of issue possible, but I love learning new things and coming across a situation I may not have dealt with before to continue to build on my skills as a clinician. I also like to reiterate that my flexibility with offering evening and weekend hours seems to be a great fit for many adult adults who are often juggling multiple responsibilities, which is reflected in my calendar, but in my experience so far, it can be overlooked at times as it seems that many do not expect that level of availability, which I am very grateful to offer. I also often have people tell me they are relieved to meet me, whether they've had previous unhelpful experiences with other providers, or may often be hesitant to start, they appreciate my approach and willingness to work collaboratively to cultivate the best experience for them.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I have mainly worked with adults over the years, and find that to be the best fit for me although I have provided services to youth as well given the various settings I have provided services in and roles. I’m happy I can offer the flexibility of evening and weekend appointments that many adults often need.
Eclectic
I believe in an individualized, holistic approach to therapy that combines ideas and techniques from different therapeutic schools of thought depending on the unique needs.
Motivational Interviewing
Figuring out what is most important and why will help us determine what you want to work on and how we can get there together.
Trauma Informed Care
I have extensive experience, providing trauma informed care in all my years of practice in various settings, and have worked with the top agencies in my area to ensure the care provide is evidence based and sincerely takes trauma have any kind, at any time during the lifespan into consideration when providing any kind of therapeutic interventions and treatment.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a short-term therapeutic approach that emphasizes identifying and building on a client's strengths and focusing on future solutions to problems, rather than dwelling on the past causes or details of the issue, essentially encouraging clients to envision and work towards a preferred future state where their problems are resolved; it views clients as the experts on their own lives and empowers them to create their own solutions
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change their thought patterns to improve their mood and behavior.
15 ratings with written reviews
October 9, 2025
Samantha is so kind and caring! She's seen a lot in her career and it's obvious she cares for her patients at a high level! She made me comfortable, seems approachable and humerous at this early stage of establishing care.
October 6, 2025
Her approach is really genuine and warm. Makes talking smooth and easy. Looking forward to my next session.
October 4, 2025
Super chill and definitely someone I can talk freely with