Samuel’s passion for the mental health field is inspired by what he has witnessed and experienced throughout his life navigating trauma and the powerful transformation of the healing journey. After becoming a Substance Use Certified Counselor, he went on to build upon this healing approach, by earning his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in the Expressive Arts (EXA) from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco. While pursuing his education, he has also cultivated a spiritual practice and dedicated himself to exploring Buddhist psychology and mindfulness practices. These endeavors have helped him develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health and human suffering, as well as creating self care routines.
Samuel is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their struggles and build a foundation for long-term emotional wellness. At our facility, Samuel provides client-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed individual therapy for clients dealing with a range of behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. He infuses an expressive arts therapy approach into sessions, tailoring them to each client by pulling from additional therapeutic modalities, including to Buddhist psychology, family systems,relational-cultural, narrative therapy, along with intersectional feminist therapy. By using evidence-based techniques, Samuel empowers clients to gain insight into their behaviors and thought patterns, while also offering consistent support and encouragement as they work toward meaningful change. Samuel’s person-centered, empathetic, and holistic approach, helps clients build the resilience they need to navigate life’s challenges.
Outside of his work, Samuel is committed to being an agent of change through social justice, community activism, and being an ally to marginalized communities. Samuel is deeply committed to his own personal growth through recovery and self-care. He enjoys practicing mindfulness through meditation and his various arts practices, using art as a way to clear his mind, remain grounded, while expressing his authentic self. Samuel enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending community and cultural events, and being in nature.
