Samantha Sanchez AMFT APCC

I am not a neutral "blank slate" therapist, and I make that known when clients enter my therapeutic space. I bring a lot of authenticity to my sessions while keeping my clients' well-being as my central focus. My belief is that healing is not a singular event that happens in an hour; rather, it is a continuous process that requires hard work, patience, and grace for oneself.

 Types of clients treated:

- Children (5-12), Teens (13-17)

- Young Adults (18-25)

- Adults (26-64)

- Older Adults (65+)

- Couples, Groups

- LGBTQ+

- BIPOC

- Latinx / Spanish-Speaking

- Immigrants & First-Generation

- Women

- Men

- College Students

Types of therapies or interventions used:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

- Person-Centered

- Humanistic & Existential

- Gestalt

- Emotion-Focused (EFT)

- Gottman Method

- Strengths-Based

- Mindfulness-Based

- Play Therapy

- Sand Tray Therapy

- Expressive & Art Therapy

- Trauma-Informed Care

- Compassion-Focused

- Feminist & Anti-Racist

- LGBTQ+ & Gender-Affirming

- Culturally Responsive & Decolonized Healing

- Exposure Therapy

- Positive Psychology

- Psychoeducation

- Group Therapy

Types of mental health issues treated:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Trauma & PTSD

- Complex Trauma

- OCD

- Grief & Loss

- Life Transitions

- Self-Esteem & Shame

- Perfectionism

- Relationship & Attachment Issues

- Family Conflict

- ADHD & Executive Function

- Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation

- Identity & Belonging

- Cultural & Systemic Stress

- Burnout & Stress

- Women's Issues

- Men's Issues

- Communication Issues

- Adjustment Disorders

- Codependency & Boundaries

- Career & Life Purpose

Licenses/Certifications:

AMFT #165351, APCC #23736

Supervised by Emma Esper, LMFT #137235, LPCC #14998

Education:

B.A. Psychology, California State University, Fullerton

M.S. Counseling - Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University, Fullerton

Availability:

Newport Beach, Long Beach, and telehealth

Languages: English

Years of experience: 1

Why I became a Therapist:

I was drawn to therapy when I experienced its healing powers first-hand as a client. I was inspired by own therapist and the way she helped me through some of the hardest times in my life, and I aspired to help others along their healing journeys. In my work so far, I have been honored to share the load of life's burdens and triumphs with my clients, and I hope to continue helping others in that same capacity.

Describe your therapeutic approach and what makes it unique?

I approach therapy in a human-centered, strengths-based way. The client is always the expert in their own lives, I am simply a witness to their healing and a guide when they need it. I have found that therapy cannot be one-size-fits-all; it must be fit for the client's needs. I am always willing to shift my approach and try new things in the best interest of my clients.

Outside the therapy room, I love reading, building Legos, and spending time with loved ones.