sam’s story

Hi! I’m Sam (she/her/they/them). I’m so glad you're here and considering taking steps toward growth and transformation. I became a therapist because I genuinely believe that everyone has the innate ability to achieve their goals. Sometimes, all we need is support, a fresh perspective, or a safe space to process our feelings in order to unlock our full potential. Therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool, and I am passionate about helping individuals and families build the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges and create positive, lasting change.

My approach is collaborative, focusing on increasing self-awareness and insight to facilitate deep and meaningful transformation. I believe that therapy can benefit everyone, regardless of their situation, and it can help you achieve both personal growth and enhanced well-being.

Originally from New York, I grew up in Southern California and spent many summers in Taiwan, where I learned conversational Mandarin. My upbringing was influenced by both Buddhist and Jewish ideals, offering me a unique perspective on faith, mindfulness, and spirituality from a young age. Growing up in a multi-cultural environment has provided me with a rich understanding of what it means to be human and has shaped my compassionate approach to therapy.

I enjoy working with individuals exploring intersectionality and complex identities, and I am passionate about supporting marginalized communities, including immigrants, refugees, and anyone navigating a multicultural experience. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and work with clients on a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationships, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, and communication challenges.

I moved to Portland for its natural beauty and love of the outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, drawing, crafting, snowboarding, cuddling with my two cats, Johnny and Clyde, traveling when possible, spending time with friends and family, enjoying live music, and playing games—whether they’re board games or video games.

Now for the professional stuff....

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Education. I later earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.

Before joining Sprout, I gained experience in child and family therapy, as well as working in educational settings, systems addressing intimate partner violence, and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have also navigated numerous community mental health and human services systems across Portland and Oregon.

My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered, focusing on empowering individuals to tap into their own resources to overcome challenges. I take a humanistic, collaborative, and community-oriented approach, drawing on interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Attachment-Based Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Oregon (License #C6304).

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