The greatest loss is always your own.
When you're on a journey you never asked for, "keep going" can start to feel like a joke. You're tired of the platitudes: the well-meaning attempts from people who have no idea what to say, so they say something that makes you want to scream. What you actually want is for someone to just tell you when this is going to stop hurting so much.
With over a decade of experience as a licensed mental health professional, board-approved supervisor, and adjunct professor at UT Austin’s Graduate School of Social Work, I bring both enthusiastic passion and real-world application to every audience I stand in front of.
“Sam spoke to my women’s fitness ministry Facebook group about “Loving Our Bodies through every step of the journey” and it was completely amazing- her speaking style was fun and engaging...The content she delivered was easy to follow and understand in a no-nonsense and empathetic way that my tribe was able to walk away from that video with actionable steps to loving themselves a little better through this lifestyle journey. She even spoke on a piece about internal dialogue and how we can rephrase even the things we maybe don’t “love” about ourselves and our bodies, to be more uplifting so we can learn to love ourselves beginning with our own thoughts. I 100% would recommend Sam as a guest speaker in the arena of women empowerment in any space. Women need her voice, her message, and her energy- especially with the challenges 2020 has brought. Your tribe needs her, I promise!!!”
- Jody Jones, NASM certified PT, CF-L1 coach
As a lifelong griever and caregiver myself, I truly wish I could give you that answer. There is literally no guidebook for grief, and everyone processes it differently. However, what I can, without a doubt, tell you is that there will come a day when you don't feel the way you're feeling right now. There is light at the end of this dark tunnel. There is hope for your future, and it is possible to rediscover yourself and redefine the new home where your grief will reside.
Whether your loss came with a death or without one, or you're living the daily toll of caring for someone else, you don't have to carry it alone.
"Before coaching with Sam I felt hopeless and like I had exhausted all the mental hacks to make changes in my life. I felt like I was spinning my wheels and even if I made progress it would only be temporary before I fall off the wagon the next day. After coaching with Sam...I’ve learned to be more realistic about what I can accomplish...when I’m not able to follow through with something I had on today’s to-do list, I simply remind myself that tomorrow is a new day, and I can work on it then. I’ve learned that I have the skillset to take action in my life and how to be more patient with being a work in progress. I’ve learned that empowered decisions happen when I make choices that are not encumbered by negative emotions like guilt, sadness, or inadequacy. I’ve learned that I perform at my best when I’m feeling my best, and I deserve to feel good.
For people thinking about coaching with Sam, I would advise them to give it a shot, especially if they feel like other avenues for self-growth have not worked for them. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I didn’t know how I would change as a result. But I’m happy with what came out of it. I didn’t become a perfect human overnight or suddenly figure out how to solve all my problems. But I did realign how I view myself and how I talk to myself. Those types of changes have helped me keep a positive mindset once I was “on my own”.
-Lisa C., Former Coaching Client
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to Sam. I never got to tell her this in person, but she has changed my life for the better in so many ways. She has helped me become myself. I can never repay what she has given me, all I can do is express my gratitude. So, thank you Sam!”
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S) in Texas and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan, I specialize in working with Millennial and Gen-Z adults facing grief, loss, and caregiver burnout to find their way forward.
"Before coaching with Sam I felt hopeless and like I had exhausted all the mental hacks to make changes in my life. I felt like I was spinning my wheels and even if I made progress it would only be temporary before I fall off the wagon the next day. After coaching with Sam...I’ve learned to be more realistic about what I can accomplish...when I’m not able to follow through with something I had on today’s to-do list, I simply remind myself that tomorrow is a new day, and I can work on it then. I’ve learned that I have the skillset to take action in my life and how to be more patient with being a work in progress. I’ve learned that empowered decisions happen when I make choices that are not encumbered by negative emotions like guilt, sadness, or inadequacy. I’ve learned that I perform at my best when I’m feeling my best, and I deserve to feel good.
For people thinking about coaching with Sam, I would advise them to give it a shot, especially if they feel like other avenues for self-growth have not worked for them. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I didn’t know how I would change as a result. But I’m happy with what came out of it. I didn’t become a perfect human overnight or suddenly figure out how to solve all my problems. But I did realign how I view myself and how I talk to myself. Those types of changes have helped me keep a positive mindset once I was “on my own”.
-Lisa C., Former Coaching Client
Trauma-Informed Care in the Workplace
My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and practical. I’ll support you in finding ways to honor your grief while also building the resilience and coping strategies that make life feel manageable…and eventually enjoyable again.
"Before Sam was my coach, I was distracted and caught up in the limiting beliefs I told myself. Sam helped me pull back the curtain and see the truth! She helped me get clarity on myself and my life, and gave me energy and confidence to move forward in a positive and empowered direction. Sam helped me establish empowering beliefs about myself and this really helped my overall confidence and self esteem. I no longer believe the limiting beliefs I had stuck in my head. I am clear and driven to pursue the dreams I have in my heart.
If you didn’t have love for yourself or your body before, you definitely will after coaching with Sam. Sam is direct but in a friendly way that we all wish our closest friends would be with us. She truly wants the best for her clients and helps them get clear on what’s holding them back so they can take action. She doesn’t let limiting beliefs hold you back - she helps keep you focused so you can accomplish the thing!
It will be one of the best investments you make if you take it seriously. Sam is gifted with helping clients stay on track and accomplish their goals, but only if you want it enough! So be ready! :). She is also incredibly talented at helping women fall in love with their bodies and abilities. Sam’s coaching will change your life!"
-Emma H., Former Coaching Client
I draw from evidence-based therapies (EBTs) including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Prolonged Grief Therapy (PGT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Therapy with me isn’t about “getting over it.” It’s about finding your way through—so you can move forward while carrying your loss and lived experience with meaning, strength, and self-compassion.
I am currently accepting new clients in Texas and Michigan.
I accept most major insurers and private pay. My current private pay rate is $200 for a 50-minute individual therapy session.
See my Psychology Today profile for more info!
Current Rates
In addition to direct therapy services, I also provide clinical supervision for LMSWs in Texas and LLMSWs in Michigan working toward independent licensure.
My supervision style is both supportive and challenging - I see supervision as a space to grow your clinical confidence while also holding you accountable to ethical practice, effective use of EBTs, and your professional development goals.
