When I finished college, my graduation cap read “In it for the outcome, not the income”. Years later, this still couldn’t be more true. After three long years of blood, sweat, and tears into my community, I slowly realized I still needed to grow more because I was not helping in the way my community truly needed by handing out bandaids for gaping wounds. A lot of studying and maybe a mental break down or two later, I finished grad school and started working in the field of mental health.

Only now after so much experience within the community, can I see that this is where the work is done and where change happens - ground zero. If you’re here, congrats. Chances are you realize something needs to change. Often times people come to therapy after they’ve already exhausted every resource and option they know. It’s a huge step to ask for help and an even bigger step to show up and take it. The best part about being a Social Worker means that I will always be an advocate before I’m a therapist. Sometimes this means connecting you to resources, sometimes it means just being a witness to your journey, and sometimes it means being your biggest cheerleader, even when you don’t want to be one. That’s okay, because working with me means we’re working in a judgment free zone that allows me to meet you exactly where you are so we can work together for growth and opportunity. Welcome to the baggage claim, just remember it’s only baggage if you carry it!

Welcome! I am encouraged for you as you begin or are continuing your therapy journey, and know it can be daunting to try to find a provider who feels like the right fit. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive experience that meets the needs you bring with you into this space. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma, mood disorders, and chemical dependency – and often in the places where these intersect. I completed my Masters in Social Work at the University of Southern California in 2014, and have been independently licensed since 2017. I recently relocated to the Charlotte area from Los Angeles, where I served in outpatient mental health in the Veterans Affairs system for the past seven years. As we said at the VA, we “treat the person, not the uniform,” so my clinical experience is not exclusive to military trauma, and includes anxiety & depression, early adverse life experiences, grief & loss, sexual trauma, and substance use. I have a goal-directed approach to therapy, because I want you to feel like your investment of time, effort, & resources is creating tangible results. (And if you’re not sure what your goals are, I am here to help discern them with you!) I like to practice shared decision-making with clients in determining how best to structure therapy, and typically utilize a combination of evidence-based treatment, supportive counseling, and foundational cognitive/behavioral skills.

I am certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders, and am nearing certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy), which I have utilized regularly since 2019. I also have a background in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, Motivational Interviewing for change-readiness, Assertiveness skills, and concurrent trauma/substance use-focused treatments.

In my free time I enjoy exploring my new home town, collecting house plants, hiking & camping with my husband, and snuggling our cat, Miles, who loves to make cameos in the background of tele-health sessions.

Hello and Welcome! First and foremost, I'd like to commend you on taking the first step. Oftentimes the first step is the hardest, but... YOU'VE DONE IT! Often, I ask clients, “How do you eat an elephant?” After the looks of bewilderment subside, I am most often told, “You can’t”. As your counselor, it is my hope to show you that it can be accomplished. But how? "One small bite at a time." My ideal client is one who is willing to take a chance on becoming the absolute best version of themselves. It is my hope that in working together, we can tackle the stressors of everyday life and get back to living a fulfilled life.

I have experience providing individual, family, and group counseling services for children, adolescents, adults and couples in a variety of settings. My special interests include relational issues, communication skills, adjustment issues, and mild psychiatric diagnoses such as: anxiety & depression, bipolar, personality disorders, and conduct disorders.

I understand that you may be nervous. I understand that this may be totally new for you or perhaps you're trying yet again to find "your person". Let's connect and see if we're a good fit. I'd love to help you become the person you were born to become. LET'S DO THIS!

Hello there! It's a pleasure to introduce myself as Seima Samuels, a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate based in North Carolina. I have lived in Charlotte for 8 years, but I am originally from New York City. I am a proud mother of three wonderful children and have been happily married to my loving husband for ten years. I have had the privilege of providing counseling services to a diverse range of populations in both private and public sectors for upwards of a decade.

I have extensive experience in addressing a broad range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, relationship challenges, trauma, life transitions, acculturation, immigration, parenting, school challenges, and more. I have worked with various groups, including children, teenagers, adults, families, survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and the LGBTQ+ community. Rest assured that I am here to provide you with caring and supportive help, regardless of what you may be facing.

As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, I understand the importance of incorporating culture into the therapeutic process. My aim is to establish a culturally sensitive and empathetic atmosphere where you feel acknowledged and appreciated. At the heart of my practice is the belief that everyone needs someone to talk to from time to time, someone who will listen without judgment. I offer a safe space where you can explore, reflect, discover, and make decisions that lead to growth. If you're ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life, I'm here to support and empower you on your journey.