About Me

Hi, I am Sam

A man with blonde hair wearing a navy blue shirt standing outdoors on a dirt path surrounded by trees.

I am a Mental Health Social Worker and Family Therapist living and working on Bodaruwiti Country (Limestone Coast) after spending the last 10 years in Naarm (Melbourne). My practice takes an Integrated Framework. This means that I do not subscribe to one way of working or one way of interacting with my practice. People are complex and multifaceted beings which is why I believe in a tailored and flexible approach to working together.

Having worked across community, health and education services in both metropolitan and regional Australia, I have witnessed the diverse challenges and remarkable resilience people carry with them. I understands that while therapy may evoke feelings of overwhelm and shame, it can also be a space for humour, insight and unexpected growth.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, photography, tennis, boardgames, gardening and spending time with my dog, Dotti.

A park scene with tall trees and fallen autumn leaves. People are walking and sitting on benches under a partly sunny sky.

Clinical Expertise

My clinical practice has focused on improving Mental Health, wellbeing and increasing family functioning. I have worked for a range of community, health and government agencies specialising in sexual assault (CASA), family violence, childhood trauma and education services.

I have a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and a Masters of Family and Systemic Therapy.I have completed additional training and professional development in a range of counselling and therapy approaches including specialised trauma therapies, Dissociation, Parts Work EMDR and Clinical Supervision.

I work with a wide range of people who experience impacts associated with (but not limited to):

  • Anxiety and Stress

  • Childhood Sexual Abuse

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Communication

  • Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD)

  • Depression

  • Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders

  • Family dynamics, challenges and breakdown

  • Family Violence

  • First Responders and Veterans

  • Living as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community

  • Men’s Mental Health

  • Neurodiversity

  • Parenting

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Relationships

  • Self esteem

  • Self-harm/suicidal thinking

  • Separation

  • Sexuality and Gender Diversity

  • Sexual Assault

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”

Bessel van der Kolk