Grief counselors and therapists in Leesburg, VA

Hi there! As a trauma-focused and existential EMDR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe in the importance of connection, support, and finding meaning together.

I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and first responders, and I believe that no matter where you are in life or what you're struggling with, you don't have to travel it alone.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’re used to being the one who holds things together for everyone else. I work with teens and adults who may look capable on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or disconnected on the inside. Many of my clients are insightful and thoughtful people who want more than quick coping strategies — they want to understand themselves more deeply and experience real, lasting change.

Challenges shouldn’t just be endured—they should be the catalyst for your breakthrough. My goal is to help you transform life's toughest hurdles into a foundation for lasting resilience and self-discovery, giving you the tools to reclaim your strength and lead a more intentional life.

I am a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC, AGACNP-BC) providing integrative psychiatric care for adolescents and adults in Virginia. I work with concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, burnout, mood disorders, and life transitions. My work centers on understanding the whole person, not just symptoms.

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.

Whether you're going through a difficult life transition, trying to improve your relationships, or seeking personal growth, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way. In sessions, I pull from a variety of tools and techniques to help you get to the heart of what is going on and to find effective strategies to feel better so that you can move forward with lasting change. My approach to therapy is collaborative and individualized to your needs, values, and identity. I work with you in order to help you recognize your strengths and overcome the challenges that you feel you need to address.

You don't have to carry grief, a breakup, or relationship pain alone. Maybe you're needing help with an important decision or need creative solutions to challenges. In therapy we can make sense of what's happening.

I'm licensed in Virginia and Florida. I have advanced training in Parts Work, trauma treatment, EMDR and couples counseling. I bring a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative approach to therapy. I speak Spanish fluently. También hablo español.

I strive to be inclusive and affirming of diverse identities and experiences, and have over 13 years of experience in mental health. If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet you with warmth, depth, and respect, and work alongside you toward resonance, healing and growth, I invite you to reach out.

I work primarily with individuals and couples who need assistance in learning what to do when difficult emotions appear. I work with couples navigating the same arguments over and over or individuals wondering, "Why does this feel so hard?" Areas of specialty include:

• Anger and areas of conflict
• Cycles of closeness and withdraw
• Emotional distance and disengagement
• Healing from affairs
• Lack of trust and insecurities
• Dating
• Premarital counseling
• Separation and divorce
• Parenting issues
• Power and control issues

Finding the right therapist, and starting therapy, can be both exciting and perhaps overwhelming. But your story matters--it is unique to you.

I can help with solving current struggles, as well as past wounds which may contribute to distress. I help those who want deeper insight into those areas they feel stuck; negative patterns of relating; or feeling blocked from living their best life.