About Samantha Adams

Samantha Adams | BS

GRADUATE STUDENT COUNSELOR

Counseling for Adults (Age 18+)

At the core of Samantha’s work is her understanding of our interconnectedness and firm belief that we do our deepest healing in the context of relationship. She places great importance on providing a non-judgmental and safe space where clients can feel seen, cared for, respected, and encouraged to grow in their self-discovery and self-acceptance. Her style is warm, compassionate, embodied, and collaborative.

Samantha sees individuals (18+) and enjoys working with clients on a variety of issues including grief and loss, navigating chronic illness and disability, depression, life transitions, concerns around body image and disordered eating, family of origin concerns and climate anxiety. Working with individuals who are motivated and curious in their pursuit of growth, healing and meaning making brings her great joy. She hopes for every client to experience more safety, ease, connection and meaning in an increasingly difficult world.

Her therapeutic approach is strongly influenced by the science of interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory, Existential-Humanistic philosophy, and the models of Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Health At Every Size (HAES), and Somatic Therapy. She is intentional about centering a multicultural and social justice orientation, with the commitment to make space for client’s cultural identities and social locations, providing inclusive, culturally-responsive, and trauma-informed care. While therapy requires courage and risk, she believes safety in the therapeutic relationship is required for clients to journey toward meaningful change. Her approach is tailored to each client and may include action-oriented strategies, providing tools and resources to help establish greater steadiness for clients to approach the more painful and overwhelming areas that require attention.

Samantha is passionate about body liberation, anti-racism, and LGBTQIA affirming care.

Outside the office, Samantha enjoys attending live music events, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and watching documentaries.

Education:

• Earning Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark College
• Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Portland State University

Areas of Interest:

• Grief and Loss
• Family of Origin Concerns
• Anxiety & Depression
• Navigating Chronic Illness & Disability
• Climate Anxiety
• Life Transitions