Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Gainesville, GA covered by Aetna

Hello! I'm so excited that you are here. Welcome to the start of something new! My name is Samaria Witherspoon, but I’m commonly known as Sam. I am an author, professor as well as the founder of Hidden to Healing, LLC providing individual, couples and family counseling to those that are struggling with trauma, anxiety, overall life satisfaction, depression, aggression, grief, substance abuse, and behavioral and emotional issues.

Deciding to seek therapy is a significant step towards personal growth and well-being. By considering this option, you're already demonstrating a commitment to improving your life. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, and trained EMDR therapist, I'm here to support you on your journey to healing and self-improvement.

I’m dedicated to helping young adults and professionals feel more grounded, self-aware, and aligned in their lives and relationships. I’ll meet you where you are while helping you move toward growth with clarity and confidence.

I’m LaToya T. Newman, MS, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with master’s degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Criminal Justice Sciences. My background allows me to look beyond symptoms alone and consider the relational, environmental, and systemic experiences that shape how we see ourselves, connect with others, and respond to life’s challenges.

I work with adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, stress, and emotional overwhelm. I particularly enjoy supporting individuals and couples who are ready to better understand themselves, explore relational patterns, strengthen communication, and heal from experiences that continue to impact how they show up in relationships and daily life.

My work is attachment-based, trauma-informed, and relational. I pay attention not only to what is happening on the surface, but also to the deeper emotional experiences, family dynamics, and life experiences influencing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I am especially mindful of cultural experiences, family systems, and the impact of past environments on emotional safety and connection.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, insightful, and easy to talk to. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment while also gently challenging patterns that may no longer be serving you. I believe healing and growth happen when we better understand ourselves, feel emotionally safe, and begin addressing things at the root.

Are you a soon-to-be mother or father? Or perhaps you have not been feeling like yourself since your child's birth. If so, I would love to support you in managing everything birth-related; I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health and passionate about working with birthing individuals and their partners before, during, and after birth. I specifically focus my work on couples who need support navigating conflict management, transition to parenthood, and infidelity.

I was born and raised in one of Nigeria’s vibrant and bustling cities, where I learned the values of community, resilience, and compassion from an early age. Inspired by a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives, I pursued my education in health care. This journey has been a blessing and a privilege, allowing me to work in health care and provide care for the people I love and serve.

My family and I have built a home filled with love and laughter. They bring joy and inspiration to my life every day. I'm excited to support my clients in bringing that same love and joy and laughter back into their own lives.