Sammy’s main goal as a therapist is to build a strong and trusting relationship with her clients. She believes that one of the most powerful factors to successful therapy is the relationship between the client and their therapist. Sammy wants those who enter her office to feel welcome, heard & understood, comfortable/safe, and challenged to reach their best potential. She hopes her clients can feel like she is walking alongside them rather than in front or behind them.
Sammy obtained her Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling from Mount Mary University and her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Northern Michigan University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the state of Wisconsin and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) for the National Board for Certified Counselors. She is a member of both the American Counseling Association and the Wisconsin Counseling Association; and volunteers for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Wisconsin Chapter.
Sammy values multiculturally appropriate traditional (talk) and non-traditional/experiential (activities, art, play, nature, animals, etc) approaches to therapy. Experiential forms of therapy Sammy has utilized prior to Ellie include equine-assisted therapy; and play, art, and music interventions. Sammy loves finding creative ways to best serve those who may need more than just talking. At Ellie she uses art, music, and play interventions as well as ecotherapy. For those who prefer more “textbook” style talk therapy, Sammy utilizes an open-ended approach through mindfulness based or other techniques. She has learned about the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and may sometimes tie this approach into her counseling as well. Sammy understands that each person needs their own approach and works with her clients to identify the best course for treatment.
Sammy provides therapy to those 5 years old and up who experience grief; depression including suicidal ideation and self-harm; anxiety; trauma including PTSD, abuse/neglect and dissociative identity disorder (DID); neurodivergence (ADHD/ASD); adoption, foster and/or reunification; life transitions/adjustments and more. She works with all LGBTGEQ+, cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in individual, family, and couples counseling. Sammy understands from personal experience that looking for a therapist can be difficult and intimidating. She encourages anyone who feels like she is a good fit to reach out.
