Undoubtedly, a website or internet page about any human lacks great clarity and depth. The only way to really learn about someone is to meet them. I am thankful you found yourself on my website and I do hope to have an opportunity to meet you.
I received my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at a time in my life where I felt urged to do something different… some call it a “leap of faith.” I am glad I took the leap, as I have found that counseling is a sacred space that encourages healing and growth. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with, children, youth, and adults since gaining my Masters, filling my life with much more joy then can ever be imagined. Yes, joy! Of course counseling can be difficult but the pay off, with the right tools can be freeing and restorative. The joy in witnessing one's growth and increased hope, has been compelling enough to continue working through the hurt, to see the renewed.
I provide therapy for families, couples and individuals who desire to learn more about themselves and their relationships. What is learned and discovered though therapy is continually improved upon to enhance one's understanding of self and one's relationships.
I understand entering therapy can be met with a mixture of feelings and emotions. It is important to me that the therapeutic relationship can grow; the success of therapy depends on it. For those concerns, I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation prior to entering therapy to answer any questions you may have about entering into counseling services. Not everyone desires or needs such an opportunity, but I do want to make it available. If you desire a consultation please be sure to make clear with me your intentions.
I do hope to meet you,
Neil
While in graduate school all of us students had the opportunity to take a Psychotherapy Theory course. It was dreadful. As an inquiring learner I attempted to understand the vast opinions of the great past and present theorist. I felt overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated. How can I grasp hold of these concepts and make them sink into my brain? I often thought, “If I am going to be a great therapist I must understand the nuts and bolts of all the theories?” Fortunately, we were encouraged to dig into the theories that spoke most to us, and simply be aware of the others.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a mindfulness based practice was all the rage. While it spoke to me insofar as a great model to use (and I do use it) I had yet to find “my theory.” That was until a person by the name of Carl Rodgers entered into my university textbooks. Rodgers was a pioneer for “Person-Centered Therapy.” Central to his theory was his hypothesis that “it is the individual that has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for alternating his or her self-concept, attitudes, and self-directed behavior- and that these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided. "
YES! Here it was, I as the therapist was not the sole expert here but in fact the client was the expert, and the client had all the capacity to help themselves. My role was to provide the space & the right atmosphere. A space for open and honest listening. A space for healing.
Rodger’s instructions to the therapists was to adhere to three elements: genuineness (realness), acceptance (caring), & empathetic understanding.
Practicing over the years, I have found this theory to be a great place for growth and healing for my clients. When I am leaning into Roger’s elements I see my clients come to life. They know I am not judging. They feel safe to explore even their most frightening truths. Why? Because they know I only want the best for them. Yet, here’s the best part... they have the key to unlock their identified challenges. I am only a facilitator on their journey.
I would be foolish not to share that of course I provide ideas, concepts, learning tools, and suggestions. People want and need tools to move forward, however they also need a therapist that provides a comfortable and safe place to explore. And I am always one for an adventure.
Neil Sampson
*1“The Carl Rodgers Reader” 1989 by Howard Kirschenbaum and Valerie Land Henderson p.135
I received my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at a time in my life where I felt urged to do something different… some call it a “leap of faith.” I am glad I took the leap, as I have found that counseling is a sacred space that encourages healing and growth. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with, children, youth, and adults since gaining my Masters, filling my life with much more joy then can ever be imagined. Yes, joy! Of course counseling can be difficult but the pay off, with the right tools can be freeing and restorative. The joy in witnessing one's growth and increased hope, has been compelling enough to continue working through the hurt, to see the renewed.
I provide therapy for families, couples and individuals who desire to learn more about themselves and their relationships. What is learned and discovered though therapy is continually improved upon to enhance one's understanding of self and one's relationships.
I understand entering therapy can be met with a mixture of feelings and emotions. It is important to me that the therapeutic relationship can grow; the success of therapy depends on it. For those concerns, I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation prior to entering therapy to answer any questions you may have about entering into counseling services. Not everyone desires or needs such an opportunity, but I do want to make it available. If you desire a consultation please be sure to make clear with me your intentions.
I do hope to meet you,
Neil
While in graduate school all of us students had the opportunity to take a Psychotherapy Theory course. It was dreadful. As an inquiring learner I attempted to understand the vast opinions of the great past and present theorist. I felt overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated. How can I grasp hold of these concepts and make them sink into my brain? I often thought, “If I am going to be a great therapist I must understand the nuts and bolts of all the theories?” Fortunately, we were encouraged to dig into the theories that spoke most to us, and simply be aware of the others.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a mindfulness based practice was all the rage. While it spoke to me insofar as a great model to use (and I do use it) I had yet to find “my theory.” That was until a person by the name of Carl Rodgers entered into my university textbooks. Rodgers was a pioneer for “Person-Centered Therapy.” Central to his theory was his hypothesis that “it is the individual that has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for alternating his or her self-concept, attitudes, and self-directed behavior- and that these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided. "
YES! Here it was, I as the therapist was not the sole expert here but in fact the client was the expert, and the client had all the capacity to help themselves. My role was to provide the space & the right atmosphere. A space for open and honest listening. A space for healing.
Rodger’s instructions to the therapists was to adhere to three elements: genuineness (realness), acceptance (caring), & empathetic understanding.
Practicing over the years, I have found this theory to be a great place for growth and healing for my clients. When I am leaning into Roger’s elements I see my clients come to life. They know I am not judging. They feel safe to explore even their most frightening truths. Why? Because they know I only want the best for them. Yet, here’s the best part... they have the key to unlock their identified challenges. I am only a facilitator on their journey.
I would be foolish not to share that of course I provide ideas, concepts, learning tools, and suggestions. People want and need tools to move forward, however they also need a therapist that provides a comfortable and safe place to explore. And I am always one for an adventure.
Neil Sampson
*1“The Carl Rodgers Reader” 1989 by Howard Kirschenbaum and Valerie Land Henderson p.135
Past Work Experience:
- Adult Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment Center, Director
- Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Program Manager
- Acute Medical Hospital, Care Manager
- Outpatient Behavioral Health, Therapist
- Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Therapist