Hi, I’m Sam.

I am a licensed psychotherapist (she/her) in San Francisco providing in-person and virtual therapy for people who want to stop hiding parts of themselves and feel whole no matter what life is doing.

I believe that we all carry some type of unconscious burden – whether from our family system or difficult life experiences — that informs our habits and behaviors. We learn ways of coping that may not work in the long term. Many of us did not learn self-esteem or self-care. It is possible to change, but first we must look at what led us here.

Many years ago, before I became a therapist, I was a Rolling Stone intern, fascinated by counterculture but mystified by true authenticity. As a person who stutters, I grew up thinking I needed to sound, act, and BE different than what I felt. What I eventually learned is that almost everyone hides a part of themselves they feel could never be loved or understood.

We hide parts of ourselves until we no longer are sure who we are, and the journey back can be grueling.

I have unique experience working with self-perception, and challenging norms to cultivate a true sense of identity - regardless of what you have been told about yourself.

In my free time you can find me running up mountains, with friends, or being a perpetual tourist in San Francisco.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License #142532

EDUCATION

Antioch University, M.A. Clinical Psychology

Boston University, M.S., Mass Communication

New York University, B.A. Journalism

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Therapist (Intensive Outpatient/Chemical Dependency), Sutter Hospital at Mills Peninsula Medical Center, San Mateo

Clinical Team Lead and Clinician, Telecare County Services, Oakland

Primary Therapist / Family Therapist, Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, Petaluma

Therapist, Duffy’s Napa Valley, Calistoga

Therapist Trainee, Southern California Counseling Center

HOLISTIC TRAINING

Yogala Studio, Echo Park, CA, 200HR Yoga Teacher Training

Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Health Coach Certification

Board of Directors, National Stuttering Association