sam’s story

Hi! I’m Sam (she/her/they/them). I’m so glad you’re here and thinking about taking steps towards growth and change. I became a therapist because I truly believe that each individual has the tools and ability within them to achieve their goals, and sometimes we need support, a different perspective, or simply a safe space to process how we’re feeling to unlock them. As a therapist, I firmly believe that all individuals can benefit from therapy and have the ability to create positive and successful changes for themselves. I utilize a collaborative approach where we can increase insight and self awareness in order to make deep and lasting transformations to enrich your life and overall well-being. The support from therapy can help individuals and families develop lifelong skills in managing difficult and stressful life events and challenges.

Though I was originally born in New York, I grew up in Southern California and spent most of my summers in Taiwan where I learned to speak conversational Mandarin. I was also raised with Buddhist and Jewish ideals which gave me a unique perspective and understanding on religion, faith, and mindfulness from a young age. Being raised in a multi-cultural family and lifestyle gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. 

I enjoy working with the marginalized experience of immigrants, refugees, BIPOC, and any individuals who may be navigating a multicultural experience. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and work with individuals and families on issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationships, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem and identity, and communication skills.

I moved to Portland because of my love of nature and the outdoors and when I have free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, drawing and making crafts, snowboarding, cuddling with my two cats Johnny and Clyde, traveling when possible, spending time with friends and family, seeing live music and listening to music, watching TV, playing board games and occasionally some video games too :)

Now for the professional stuff....

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz where I received a Bachelors of the Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education and later earned my Master of the Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University.

Prior to Sprout, I worked as a child, teen, and family therapist for the non-profit, Albertina Kerr and have also have experience within educational settings, intimate partner violence, intellectual and developmental barriers and disabilities, as well as experience navigating various community mental health and human services systems throughout Portland and Oregon.

My work is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered and focuses on empowering people to utilize their own resources to solve problems or barriers. My therapeutic style is humanistic, collaborative, and community-based and I utilize therapeutic interventions from CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Attachment Based therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Oregon (License #C6304).

I have completed Tier 1 and Tier 2 training in the Evidence Based Practice of Collaborative Problem Solving as well as certification in Mindfulness Based CBT.

In addition to keeping a caseload of my own, I supervise many of our licensed clinicians as a Supervisor.

Currently, I am not taking on new clients or supervisees. To be connected with a clinician, please book a screener with our Intake Coordinator.

See our fees and insurance page to determine if Sam is in network with your insurance plan.

You can reach Sam directly at sam@sprouttherapypdx.com