LCSW, 10 years of experience
Hello, I'm Sam, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor and military retiree with a Master’s from Fayetteville State University. I have over 10 years of experience as an independent clinician, helping adults navigate career stress, burnout, financial challenges, and relationship issues. My goal is to empower clients to confront life’s obstacles head-on and grow into the best versions of themselves through practical, compassionate, and results-driven therapy.
In our initial counseling session, clients can expect a warm, nonjudgmental, and confidential space where they feel heard and respected. We’ll focus on building rapport and discussing what brought you to therapy, your goals, and any immediate concerns you’d like to address. I’ll also explain how I work, introduce the therapeutic approaches I use, and answer any questions you may have. Together, we’ll begin mapping out a plan tailored to your needs and pace.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to genuinely connect with clients. I bring a warm, fun, and personable energy to each session—creating an environment that feels both safe and relatable. Clients often appreciate my unique blend of “a little bit of hood and a little bit of holy,” which reflects my authentic, down-to-earth approach. This balance helps foster trust, openness, and meaningful progress in the therapeutic relationship.
My experience includes working with both military and civilian families, both during my service in the U.S. Army and now as a military retiree. I draw on evidence-based approaches—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness—to support lasting lifestyle changes. I believe healing begins with psychological safety, a strong therapeutic alliance, and self-awareness. Open, respectful, and collaborative communication is essential to meaningful progress.
For the past 10 years, I have integrated Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) into my private practice, working primarily with clients experiencing anxiety. My approach emphasizes clients’ strengths, resources, and future-oriented goals, helping them identify practical steps toward meaningful change. By focusing on what’s working rather than what's wrong, I empower clients to build on their existing abilities and envision achievable solutions, often within a limited number of sessions. This method has proven especially effective for clients seeking focused, efficient support to manage anxiety and regain a sense of control in their lives.
I effectively incorporate Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients struggling with anxiety and ambivalence about change. Grounded in a collaborative, person-centered approach, MI has allowed me to help clients explore their values, clarify their goals, and strengthen their internal motivation. By fostering a nonjudgmental and empathetic space, I guide clients toward resolving ambivalence and making empowered decisions about their mental health. This approach has been especially valuable for clients who feel stuck or uncertain, offering them a structured yet compassionate path toward meaningful and sustainable change.
Over the past 10 years, I have integrated mindfulness-based approaches into my private practice to support clients in managing anxiety and cultivating greater emotional balance. I guide clients in developing present-moment awareness, acceptance, and nonjudgmental reflection. Mindfulness has proven especially effective for helping clients break cycles of anxious rumination and increase their capacity for self-regulation. Through breathwork and body awareness, I help individuals build resilience and reconnect with a sense of calm and clarity in their daily lives.