About Me

Hello, my name is Sammie (she/her/hers). 

I am an independently licensed clinical social worker in Massachusetts. I received my Masters degree in social work in 2019, and I have been working closely with people navigating difficult times since 2013. 

It is my hope that as a therapist, I am able to cultivate a space for my clients that permits deep healing. I trust that within each of us, there is a path toward the life and way of being we most deeply desire. 

In addition to therapy, I work in a hospital, supporting individuals with lifelong chronic illness. From this group, I have gained a deeper understanding of the impacts and stressors of living with a chronic illness and can bring this knowledge to our work, if relevant.

I come from a mixed ethno-cultural background (Filipino-White) and bring particular interest and insight into the experience of living within and between multiple cultures - and existing beyond the typical "boxes."

Personally, I also enjoy yoga, the smile you get from a dog passing you on a walk, a good bookstore, Denver Nuggets basketball, my two cats, the ocean, and hiking - especially in autumn.

My Approach

My approach is warm, collaborative and non-judgmental, bringing ideas and tools based on my knowledge and experience, certainly, but working with you to guide our time together. I draw primarily on Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, self-compassion, Solution-Focused therapy, CBT, DBT, attachment theory and relational perspectives to inform our work. 

I have worked with individuals across the lifespan who have navigated the challenges of depression, anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, identity, chronic illness, ADHD, relationship challenges, spiritual issues, low self-esteem, grief, and social injustices. Past clients have observed the authenticity of my listening and desire to understand, genuine care, and my extra effort to find best fit interventions for their unique experience and preferences.

I am trained in Level 1 Internal Family Systems. I have found this model to be particularly empowering and healing. I will likely invite use of this model in our work if it is of interest to you.

I also have a Masters degree in theology and have experience and training in supporting people along their spiritual journey. While many of my clients do not have interest in bringing spirituality or religion into our conversations, some have appreciated the opportunity to speak with someone openly about the way these have offered support and/or challenge to their lives.

I am - LGBQATI+ affirming. Trauma-informed. Culturally mindful. 

Some things that guide my work...

I believe in the possibility of transformation - transformation that emerges after many collected moments of both effort and release, of asking for support, of learning, of trying new things, of getting to know ourselves more and more. 

I believe in you. I believe each of us holds wisdom to support healing and that there is goodness in our core. 

I believe in therapy. And I love offering it. It is the greatest honor to be gifted a window into the lives of those I work with. I have learned a lot in my training, but it can never match what I learn from my clients, witnessing and learning from the many ways people move through a life filled with both beauty and difficulty. Prioritizing time for yourself to explore, become curious, and heal can be transformative, even if challenging. And it is also brave - it can be scary sometimes to peel back the layers.

I believe that the effort to heal ourselves has a ripple effect, as we find we are able to offer the gift of our deepest selves more wholly to the people and spaces that surround us. Each of our personal healing is connected to our collective healing.

The effort to create space for oneself in our busy world - to heal, to rest, to connect, and to become more fully oneself - is worth it. You are worth it. We are all worth it.

My Training


Education


Boston College, MSW '19

Boston College, MDiv '21


Clinical Training & Certificates


Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level I 


Additional Training


Franciscan Spiritual Direction Certification

Reiki Level I 

Trauma-informed Yoga Teacher Training 250 hr (Expected completion September '24)