LPC, 3 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Sam, a Licensed Professional Counselor here in Connecticut. I grew up in Alabama and earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting kids, teens, and families through some of life’s toughest challenges. I’ve had the privilege of working with young people facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, attachment struggles, and substance use. I also work closely with clients who are living with chronic illnesses, as well as those exploring and affirming their LGBTQ+ identities. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and understood—no matter what you’re going through.
In our initial session together, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment where we can start building a therapeutic alliance. We’ll take the time to talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. I’ll gently ask questions about your background, mental health history, and current challenges to truly understand your unique needs. This first session is also an opportunity for us to create a personalized plan just for you, which we’ll explore together in our follow-up sessions. I encourage you to ask questions. Your well-being is important to me, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
One of my greatest strengths is working with clients and families who are facing really tough challenges. I have experience supporting people living with severe mental health concerns such as schizophrenia, reactive attachment disorder (RAD), OCD, and substance use, as well as those navigating difficult behaviors like self-harm, suicide attempts, aggression, or running away. Because of this, I feel comfortable walking alongside clients in some of their hardest moments and helping families feel supported during times of crisis.
My ideal clients include children and teens who are facing challenges such as ADHD, behavioral concerns, depression, anxiety, reactive attachment disorder (RAD), substance use, chronic illness, or the unique experiences of being LGBTQ+. I especially enjoy working with young people who are ready to make changes and are open to exploring new ways of coping, growing, and building resilience. Together, we can create a safe and supportive space for them to move toward healing and positive change.
In my work, I've found person-centered therapy to be an effective approach for fostering genuine connection and trust with clients. By focusing on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity, I create a safe space where clients feel heard and valued. This allows clients to explore their experiences more openly, strengthen self-awareness, and build confidence in their own capacity for growth and change.
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients learn practical skills for managing emotions, coping with stress, and building healthier relationships. I’ve seen how DBT can give people a sense of balance—teaching ways to accept themselves as they are while also making positive changes. Clients often find that the skills become tools they can carry with them and use in everyday life.
I like to use psychoeducation in my work because it gives clients a clearer understanding of what they’re going through and why certain strategies can help. When people feel informed, they often feel more hopeful and in control of their healing. My goal is to make information practical and easy to use, so clients leave sessions with tools they can apply in everyday life.
I approach treatment through a trauma-informed lens, creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel respected and understood. I focus on building trust and empowering clients, recognizing how past experiences may impact their present struggles. This approach allows me to work alongside clients at their own pace, helping them regain a sense of safety, control, and resilience.