Hi, I’m Sam! I’m thankful you are taking the time to read this bio and, ultimately, that you are taking a step towards healing. I hope this page begins to bring hope that there can be a new perspective on the horizon.
Create Space and Give Language. This is a simple phrase that has guided my journey in this field. Throughout life, we encounter many different people, relationships, cultures, and experiences. Without realizing it, we can continue on the hamster wheel, never stopping and paying attention to our minds, bodies, feelings, and thoughts that explain these experiences. My hope and my joy is to be one part of your journey where you receive the space to formulate your own language so that you can make sense of the experiences you have.
By the nature of living in a broken world, we all have moments when it seems like there is no way forward without “my big problem,” that overwhelming anxiety, and these undesirable relationship patterns. You may have thoughts like, “I will never live without this feeling in my stomach,” or “our family will always erupt like this!” You may feel like you’re facing a constant stressor in your life and think you have exhausted all of your options. This can feel terrifying and lonely. I get excited to foster a space to explore big emotions and the weight that seems immovable in your life. I get energized by the hope of helping you see new perspectives that were previously hidden or unseen before.
Through my training and experience working with teens aged 10-17 at an inpatient behavioral health center, I understand that sometimes life feels unstable and overwhelming. You may believe your only option is to harm yourself or others. Through my training in marriage and family therapy, as well as my experience living cross-culturally, I feel hopeful about building bridges of connection between two people caught in cycles of confusion and misunderstanding.
I love sitting with people of all ages who are stuck within the same undesirable patterns and who need space to learn a new tool and grow new emotion management skills. I am convinced there are more options, and I am passionate about helping you see these options and the obstacles that might be in the way. We, as humans, need a village to develop. I hope this space can be one part of that village to focus on expanding emotion management and regulation. Ultimately, I hope your relationship with yourself and others will become more settled and ultimately flourish as you continue in this beautiful journey we call life.
Finally, I want to acknowledge again that you are taking a big step by looking into counseling. I am hopeful for your journey. If you have any questions about what would be the next step, please email me.
Credentials, Education, & Training
Licenses & Certifications
- PREPARE/ENRICH Certified
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC015342)
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist of GA (AMFT000783)
Education
- Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Richmont Graduate University, Atlanta, GA, 2022
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 2013
Additional Training
- Trauma in the Developmental Context
- Missions/Ministry
- Level One Theraplay Training
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Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
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Interpersonal Neurobiology
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Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy
Samantha’s Schedule
These are the days and times that Samantha is usually available to meet with clients in person or online. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
DAY | TIME | LOCATION | INDIV RATE | MARRIAGE & FAMILY RATE |
Monday | 9:00-5:00 | Woodstock | $150 | $150 |
Tuesday | 3:00-6:00 | Buckhead | $160 | $160 |
Wednesday | 2:00-7:00 | Woodstock | $150 | $150 |
Thursday | 10:00-4:00 | Woodstock | $150 | $150 |
* online rate $150 |
samantha@restorationcounselingatl.com, x112
Samantha’s Posts
A Life Transition
It’s the beginning of the school year for many people or families. This time of year can trigger all sorts …
I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by life tasks that you do not know how you will make it to …
Theraplay: a Therapy Approach for Kids
Everyone needs support, but kids are special in that they are constantly exploring the world around them with open hearts …
I’ve Learned My Attachment Style, Now What?
With so much recent buzz around attachment styles, I’ve been curious about what you do once you’ve identified whether you …
Putting Thoughts on Trial
“Of course that happened! I’m not good enough, remember?!” “I messed this family time up again, like always!” “Don’t answer …