A Little Bit About Me...
WHO AM I?
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Hello! I'm Sam, a qualified and ACA-registered counsellor with a knack for identifying patterns where others see complexity. With a background as rich and varied as my interests, I excel at forging connections to foster understanding and growth. Whether you’re facing a mountain or a molehill, I'm here to support you in navigating your path with sharp insight, strategic thinking, and a healthy dose of humour.
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My professional journey spans almost two decades and has taken me through diverse roles, from emergency medical response to coordinating teams for out-of-home care and running leadership programs for high-performing adolescents at NASA. This unique path has given me deep insight into the complexities of human behaviour, resilience, and potential.
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A salient aspect of my career is my extensive experience with adolescents. I have held senior roles responsible for the care and therapeutic development of young people, with oversight of more than 120 staff. While I’ve managed and trained therapeutic teams, I’ve found that my greatest strength lies in working directly with teens. I have a natural aptitude for quickly building rapport, cultivating trust, and facilitating meaningful change in a way that resonates with young people—work that continues to drive my passion for one-on-one practice. Beyond daily operations, I was actively involved in redeveloping the organisation’s therapeutic model of practice. As part of a senior working group, I contributed to refining the model, ensuring it translated effectively from the most current research and theory into practice, empowering practitioners to support children’s trauma recovery and development with care and precision.
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Outside the office, my adventurous spirit takes me from surfing challenging waves to backpacking through distant lands. Yet, I find equal joy in quiet evenings at home with my wife and our greyhound, Ray. These personal adventures and the diverse stories of those I’ve encountered continue to fuel my passion for understanding and supporting others. Whether you're seeking clarity, support, or direction, I’m here to help you build the life you aspire to.
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​Why Work With Me?
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Bridging Theory and Practice
While I’m well-versed in theory, much of my understanding of therapeutic work was developed through hands-on experience with vulnerable and complex individuals. This practical foundation has allowed me to bridge research with real-world application, ensuring interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. Therapy with me is both insightful and impactful, grounded in evidence but responsive to the individuality of every client.
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Creative and Pragmatic Approach
I’m what I like to call a ‘creative pragmatist’. While grounded in science, my practice is enriched by a natural creativity and curiosity. This blend allows me to adapt research-based solutions that resonate personally with my clients. I see therapy as both a science and an art, requiring structure but also the flexibility to co-create meaningful solutions within each client’s frame of reference. My openness and strategic mindset help me connect the dots where others might not, ensuring our work together is innovative, individualised, and deeply personal.
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Genuine Connection
A strong therapeutic relationship is at the core of effective therapy, with research showing up to 50% of outcomes depend on the quality of this alliance. I have a natural ability to build trust and rapport quickly, which allows us to dive into meaningful work early in our sessions. Having worked with people from all walks of life—from those in highly marginalised situations to high achievers—I understand the shared challenges within the human experience. This breadth of experience, combined with empathy, warmth, and honesty, ensures every client feels valued, understood, and supported.
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Tailored to You
No two people are alike, so I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I work dynamically, drawing upon a wide array of therapeutic frameworks, tools, and life experiences to find what resonates most with you. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing anxiety, or seeking personal growth, our sessions will always reflect your unique needs, values, and goals.
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Strength-Based and Solution-Focused
My approach focuses on building on your strengths to overcome challenges and create meaningful change. I balance challenge with support, offering honest feedback that encourages growth while maintaining compassion. I believe therapy doesn’t have to be overly serious all the time (though it can be exhausting on some days). My goal is to empower you with practical tools, so you’re not just surviving but thriving.
Therapeutic Philosophy
The Warrior and the Sherpa
"Once, a weary warrior stood before a towering mountain, its peak hidden in the clouds. He had tried many times to reach the summit but always found himself lost or trapped in dangerous paths.
An old sherpa appeared and said, “I have walked this path many times. I know the way, but the climb is yours to make. I will not carry you, nor will I force your steps, but I will show you where the ground is weak, and where the way becomes dangerous.”
Together, they began the climb. As the warrior’s legs grew tired and the burden on his back became heavier, the sherpa helped ease his load. The sherpa did not speak often, but when he did, his words were wise. He pointed out hidden ravines, and when the warrior found himself walking in circles, the sherpa gently guided him back on track.
Though the journey was still difficult, the warrior felt stronger knowing he wasn’t alone. The sherpa never chose the warrior’s steps, but he ensured they were steady. And in time, with the sherpa’s quiet guidance, the warrior stood at the summit, gazing at the peaceful lands below, knowing he had found his way.
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Though the climb was hard, the warrior grew stronger with the sherpa by his side. The sherpa didn’t choose his steps, but ensured they were steady, guiding him away from danger. In time, the warrior stood at the summit, gazing at the peaceful lands below. Along the journey, he had gained the skills, wisdom, and strength needed to navigate mountains on his own, but he also knew the value of seeking wise counsel when needed. The warrior’s peace came not from conquering the mountain alone, but from accepting the sherpa’s guidance, which empowered him to walk his own path with confidence and clarity."
Maybe you're standing at the base of a mountain right now. The path ahead is brutal—steep, rocky, and unforgiving. You’ve climbed before, but this one feels different. You don’t have the energy or the resources, and every step feels heavier. You’ve been stuck, going in circles, unsure of the next move.
That’s where I come in. Like a sherpa, I’m not here to lead or push you—I’m here to walk beside you. I’ll help you spot the dangers you can’t see, ease the weight when it gets too much, and keep you from going down paths that won’t get you anywhere. This is your climb, your journey—I'm just here to help you navigate it and make sure you can reach the top in your own way.
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Ready to take that next step? Let’s talk.