Hi, I’m Samantha.

I’m an integrative psychotherapist with a love for working with young people and the creativity, humor, and curiosity they bring.

I’m also an associate clinical social worker born and raised in the Bay Area, currently living in Oakland. My roots are in 4+ years of case management with refugees and immigrants and community health work, mostly here in the Bay, grounding me in a passion for providing personalized, holistic care and support. I have prior therapy experiences within university counseling and community mental health settings across various levels of care with young people.

My Identities

I am a mixed race (white, Asian American), queer, cis woman. I continue to navigate trauma recovery & chronic pain in my own life. These identities guide me in facilitating therapy from a blended lens grounded in curiosity & with an appreciation for nuance & complexity.

Training & Education

  • Master of Social Work in Trauma-Informed Clinical Mental Health Concentration, Boston College

  • Bachelor of Arts in Medical Anthropology and Global Health, University of Washington

  • Liberation Eating Disorder Education Foundations Training, Alameda County Behavioral Health, 2024-25

  • Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate, The Embody Lab (in progress)

My style in therapy:

The teen and young adult years can be overwhelming, complex, & full of questions around identity, relationships, & how to feel safe in your own skin. I am here supporting and rooting for you through it all.

I show up with warmth & curiosity, not as an expert or here to "fix" anyone. Young people have a unique voice & wisdom that should be nourished & empowered. I have been described as “gentle,” “thoughtful,” and “calming” in sessions.

How I Work

  • Narrative therapy is all about the stories we tell ourselves -about our experiences, self-worth, values, etc. Understanding these stories can let us write new ones.

  • Relational psychodynamic therapy looks at what the past taught us about safety and connection and how the therapy relationship can activate some of those points as well as be a safe place for repair and relearning.

  • IFS examines the many parts that make up who we are and how they interact with our world for different reasons every day. Naming and unburdening these parts is key to not letting them have too much control.

  • This approach was developed by Carl Rogers. I use it to create a nonjudgemental space where you are the expert on your life.

  • Not only should care be trauma-informed (aware of how trauma shows up for people), but trauma-responsive. That is, actively uses knowledge about trauma to adapt care so it is healing, empowering, and safe for each person.

  • Feminist theory can be used for people of all genders. It explores the social, cultural, and political factors that contribute to oppression, discrimination, and bias that people experience today and how that impacts wellbeing.

Personal FAQs

  • Great question! I received my Master of Social Work in Trauma Informed Clinical Mental Health from the CSWE Social Work program at Boston College. I am an associate clinical social worker (ACSW) in California.

  • Putting this here because of how frequently I get asked this by clients! I am a Scorpio with little knowledge about astrology (for now).

  • I am becoming basically a sporty grandma. I enjoy knitting, crocheting, slow walks, puzzles, and gardening just as much as camping, hiking, and rock climbing.