Hello! I am Sam. I’m a therapist here at Denver Mental Health Collective, but you can also call me a Joy Ally, a Trauma Alchemist, and a Mindfulness Musician.
I help people who are feeling numb, worried, and overwhelmed to celebrate their strengths and to reconnect with the fullness of their life.
My ideal clients are people who are experiencing trauma symptoms and are ready for a change. This includes exploring identity such as LGBTQ+ or experiences of marginalization, addressing substance use, and walking a clear path to greater ease.
Joy Ally:
It’s common for people to feel numb and overwhelmed after experiencing trauma, with that unresolved trauma response echoing endlessly through the mind and body in a way that can feel stuck and unapproachable. But you don’t have to climb the mountain right away; the first step is to gather your provisions and prepare your route. Working with the body as well as the mind, we will celebrate and cultivate your innate strengths so that what used to feel impossible becomes something you’re excited to explore.
Trauma Alchemist:
Trauma symptoms can be thought of as a kind of energy repeating endlessly in the mind and body, unable to find resolution. Sometimes it can come out in strange and seemingly unrelated ways, such as surprising bouts of anger or physical pain. But by moving back and forth between ease and challenge, that energy can be metabolized into wellbeing and understanding. ‘Alchemist’ refers to that transformation, and that by turning towards trauma symptoms we can turn them into gold.
Mindfulness Musician:
Have you ever practiced meditation, been curious about it, or given it a try and decided it wasn’t for you? Maybe you’ve seen many different perspectives on what mindfulness even is, and you aren’t sure where to start. I view gaining clarity and strength in the relationship with your own mind as a lot like learning to play a musical instrument: a process of learning to recognize when the mind is too sharp or too flat and intuitively applying the interventions that resonate with you to get in tune. Wherever you’re starting from, whether you have an established practice or if mindfulness is brand new, we can explore the innate power of your mind to release tension and keep you in tune.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
I received my Masters in Social Work from University of Denver, and I am currently on the path to licensure. Previously, I worked as a lead case manager at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
More About Me
MORE ABOUT ME
I moved to Colorado about five years ago from California, and since then I have fallen in love with exploring the Front Range and Colorado’s spectacular natural beauty with my very cute dog. I’m a big fan of fantasy and science fiction, enjoying meditation, and reading about ancient history.
Please contact our office today to schedule a free phone consultation. During this time our Client Care Coordinator can talk more about what’s going on and how I can help you feel better.
