About

Samara joined the Cornerstone staff as an experienced counselor in 2021. Prior to coming to Chiang Mai, she served for 7 years as a counselor at a community mental health organization in the US. Before becoming a mental health therapist, she worked for 7 years as a teacher in China and Tanzania. She spent much of her youth in Africa as an MK where her parents are still missionaries and so draws from a rich cross-cultural background. She deeply values ministry and service, and desires to help others find healing in their lives and in their relationships. She came to Cornerstone with a desire to support people who work and live in cross-cultural settings. Samara enjoys reading and writing, and traveling with her husband, Phil. 

Education

• Master of Arts in Counseling, 2013, Western Seminary, Portland, OR, USA

• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, 2001, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, USA 

Licensure

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Washington State, USA

Specialized Training

• EMDR

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

• Sand Tray Therapy

• Approved Supervisor for MA Interns/License Candidates, State of WA, USA

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 and 2

Counseling Interests and Experience

• Individual Counseling

• DBT psycho-education groups

• Better understanding and managing emotions

• Grief/Loss

• Depression/Burnout

• Relationships