Samm Heberlein

My space is for LGBTQIA2S+ folx, people exploring their racial identity, social justice activists and protesters, and any person who has suffered from oppression and is experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, a negative view of self and others, and interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict. I want you to know that the problem was never you.

Liberation therapy starts from understanding how intersecting oppressive barriers create the foundation for negative narratives of self and ultimately result in symptoms like anxiety, depression, and imposter syndrome.

In our therapeutic journey, you are the professional on your own lived experience. Together we’ll work to identify core narratives and ideologies through a narrative lens, talk therapy, and exploring your understanding of self and emotions on a somatic level. Through this work, you’ll rewrite negative narratives, find collective resistance in culture and community, and build an empowered version of yourself with increased empathy and the ability to think critically about yourself and the world.

As a liberation therapist, my approach is rooted in questioning Western Psychology practices through an anti-oppressive lens. Many approaches place the focus and blame on the individual, relate symptoms to “dysregulation,” and encourage squashing emotions to “get back to work.” My space is not intended for people looking for surface-level fixes. And while no therapeutic space can be labeled safe, I work to create a safer, more affirming space by being clear, open, validating, and empathetic to those who choose to take a chance on our journey.

I’m in my second year of practice as a limited licensed professional counselor (MA, LLPC), and I’m passionate about working with individuals seeking to free themselves from the mental chains of oppression. These are the folx who want to find a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, the ones wanting to do the soul work, and those who have been seeking space for growth through insight and challenge. I am not here to place blame on you for your challenges, or to place Band-Aids where deep soul work is necessary.

I became a therapist because I wanted to better understand myself and others. With so much pain, hurt, and hate in the world, I needed to better understand how we ended up this way. I have always been in helper spaces, and this work lets me not only empower myself but turn that outward. If you’re interested in moving beyond surface-level interest to deeper exploration and understanding, reach out, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit.

Outside of work, I’m an outdoors person. I love gardening, tending to my plants, camping, hiking, and grounding in nature. I also enjoy crafting and painting poorly, and I’m heavily involved in protest, mutual aid, and collective community resistance.