Samuel Jones

Acceptance and change are hard. I help people face and make space for their life histories and experiences and support them in identifying and making the changes that lead to meaning and satisfaction in their lives and relationships. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and my role is to provide encouragement, support and guidance on your journey of healing and growth. My practice is focused on the needs of men, and I enjoy helping men that are struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness or disability, relationship issues, complex trauma/childhood wounds, racial stress and trauma, and navigating adulthood/"failure to launch" and masculinity. As a Black man, I am committed to addressing the unique experiences of and challenges that face BIPOC men.

I believe that humans are wired for connection and that profound and lasting healing comes from satisfying this essential need. My work is based on AEDP Psychotherapy (formally known as Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Emotionally Focused Therapy. The AEDP Institute (aedpinstitute.org) describes AEDP Psychotherapy as “an experiential model that seeks to alleviate patients’ psychological suffering by helping them process the overwhelming emotions associated with trauma in a way that facilitates corrective emotional and relational experiences that mobilize positive changes in our neuroplastic brains.” The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (iceeft.com/) describes Emotionally Focused Therapy as a “form of therapy that helps people understand and improve their emotional connection with themselves and others.” Both therapies emphasize the importance of our relationships with ourselves and others and use the power of corrective experiences with our emotions within the safe haven and secure base of the therapist-client relationship to fuel growth and healing. I also use skills and techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other approaches that emphasize mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion when needed to facilitate healing.

I come from a family of helpers and healers, and I have been privileged to help people in a variety of roles and settings. I have worked as a state social welfare caseworker, an assistant in a state library for the blind and disabled, a respiratory therapist and a medical social worker. I grew up in a military family and was fortunate to be exposed to and learn from a variety of cultures. I am a member of the "sandwich generation” and know what it means to care for and support older and younger family members with chronic illness and disability simultaneously. As a person living with chronic illness, I also have lived experience with the challenges and limitations that come along with living with a disability. My experiences have fostered in me a deep appreciation of and respect for the diversity of the human experience.

When I am not working, I enjoy all things that involve good food, friends, and family. I look forward to learning more about you, who and what matters to you, and traveling with you on your journey of hope and healing!