About Me
Samantha Southard, LMHC
Welcome!
Embarking on therapy can be an overwhelming process to many, as it causes us to accept the pain and obstacles that we feel like we can no longer control. While therapy may feel intimidating, I aim to provide all of my clients with a non-judgmental and empathetic environment to ease their transition into therapy. I believe in meeting clients where they are at and fostering a strong therapeutic alliance to ensure that they feel supported, heard, and validated. I strive to help my client's navigate life's challenges and aid them in their healing journey.
As a licensed mental health counselor, I understand that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. I have tailored an eclectic approach that encompasses several therapeutic modalities to address the specific and individualized needs of each client. I engage my clients by collaboratively exploring how their behaviors and their emotional, mental, and physical states are interconnected. I encourage clients to express themselves freely and authentically, and to embrace the difficult parts of themselves to foster self-love, self-compassion, and self-acceptance.
Therapy provides us with the opportunity to be emotionally vulnerable and to grow through all that life can throw at us. Together we can work together to improve your overall well-being, heal from past traumas, and achieve your desired goals. Remember that you are never alone in your journey as, “When ‘I’ becomes ‘we’, illness becomes wellness.”
Education
CUNY: College of Staten Island
Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
St. Joseph's College
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
Minor in Criminal Justice