Licensed to practice in California and accepts 6 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Sam, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) passionate about helping adults navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress, and low self-esteem, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I believe therapy should not only help you better understand yourself, but also equip you with tools you can use outside of our sessions. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking to grow, I'm here to support you in building a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and aligned with your values.
The first session is centered on you—your experiences, your goals, and what feels most important to address. We’ll take time to get to know each other, move at a pace that feels right, and begin shaping therapy in a way that reflects your needs and priorities.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a space where clients feel genuinely understood without feeling judged or rushed. I strive to balance warmth and empathy with thoughtful questions, practical tools, and evidence-based interventions so that sessions feel both supportive and productive. I tailor therapy to each individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we'll explore the underlying patterns that keep you feeling stuck while also developing concrete strategies you can begin using in your daily life. My goal is to help you gain insight, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting changes—not just feel better during our sessions. Clients often describe me as compassionate, collaborative, organized, and direct when it matters. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, where you feel safe enough to be honest, challenged enough to grow, and supported every step of the way.
My ideal client is someone who's ready to make a change, even if they're not exactly sure what that looks like yet. You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or like you've been carrying too much on your own for too long. Maybe you're the person everyone else relies on, but you're struggling to give yourself that same care. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you're open to learning more about yourself, trying new ways of coping, and putting in the work between sessions, I think we'd make a great team.
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I often incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps us identify unhelpful thought patterns, understand how they affect your emotions and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of responding. Rather than simply talking about what's wrong, we'll work together to build practical skills you can use in everyday life.
Trauma Informed Care
I recognize that past experiences can shape how we think, feel, and relate to others. My approach is trauma-informed, which means I prioritize creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and in control of your healing process. We'll work together to understand how your experiences have impacted you while building practical tools to help you move forward.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients work through uncertainty and build confidence in making meaningful changes. Rather than telling you what to do, I'll help you explore what's important to you, identify what's getting in the way, and find a path forward that aligns with your values.
Psychodynamic
Sometimes the challenges we're facing today have roots in experiences we haven't fully had the chance to understand. I use a psychodynamic approach to help clients explore how past relationships and life experiences may be shaping their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we'll uncover patterns, build insight, and create space for healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.