Grief counselors and therapists in Durham, NC

I received my Master of Social Work from East Carolina University and have been practicing as a therapist for 11 years. I believe the foundation of effective therapy lies in a strong therapeutic relationship- one built on trust, openness, and authenticity. I am known for my open-minded, nonjudgmental, and creative approach, helping my clients feel understood and supported as we work together toward growth and healing.

I am a "tomboy" at heart! I love motorcycles, dogs, horses, the beach, running, and live music. But are we a good therapy match? You decide- AAS-Agribusiness, BSW-Social Work, MSW-Social Work. Work History: 8 years in Public Health, 5 years in Child Welfare, 2 years in Caregiving, 2 years in Developmental Disabilities, 8 years in Mental Health. Did I mention that I worked for DuPont for 10 years before going back to school for social work? I have a strong work ethic-that means I give you 100%.

I’ve been practicing therapy for 25 years, which has included 12 years in NC and prior practice in both Kansas and New Mexico. I’ve worked in community mental health most of my career so I’ve had the opportunity to serve all ages and provide treatment for a huge variety of mental health concerns. I’m pretty down to Earth, open, honest, and genuine. I can be direct when needed to help bring awareness or light to a potential problem area while at the same time me providing support and encouragement. I enjoy hearing people’s life stories and helping individuals navigate their way through difficult life situations and problematic symptoms. No judgment, just a person available to help you find what you need.

Please feel free to call me Sam. I'm originally from North Carolina and received my bachelor's degree in social work at Appalachian State. In 2022, I moved to Southwest Virginia and received my master's degree in social work from Radford University. Overall, I have 13 years of experience as a Social Worker in different capacities, including grief and loss, chronic illness, and burnout. My passion is working with adults and older adults navigating life changes.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Conflict Studies and Dispute Resolution from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I also hold a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling, with honors of distinction from Capella University. I am a trained mediator who loves the opportunity to allow clients to be exactly who they are, while they figure out who they want to be.

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to balance, mindfulness and joy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. This journey has reinforced my belief that each person's path to well-being is unique and deserves a personalized approach.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Walden University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Norfolk State University. My clinical experience spans emergency departments, hospitals, and community-based behavioral health settings, where I have supported adults navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance use concerns, and complex medical or psychiatric challenges.