Empowering & Transforming Relationships
Welcome. I’m Glad You’re Here!
Every relationship has its own story and challenge, and I believe people are more than the problems bringing them to therapy. You already have strengths, resources, support systems, values, and knowledge that can become part of the work. Therapy can help you better understand one another, deepen your connection, and create a relationship that feels more aligned with who you are.
I work with high-capacity couples and individuals who are navigating relationships that feel stuck, disconnected, unequal, confusing, or emotionally draining. My work is especially focused on the internalized messages and patterns that can develop around emotional labor, mental load, communication, gender and power, culture, faith, family expectations, neurodivergence, and changing health or life circumstances.
My Strength-Based Approach
My approach is strength-based, systemic, relational, and collaborative. I use Socio-emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) and Medical Family Therapy through an intersectional, feminist-informed lens.
That means we look at the relationship as a whole. We explore how each person shows up to the relationship, what has shaped the patterns between you, and how larger systems—including culture, faith, family, gender expectations, health, and neurodivergence—may be influencing what happens at home.
Sometimes we get caught in patterns that make it harder to hear each other, feel understood, or stay connected. Together, we can slow things down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and build on the strengths you already bring to your relationship. The goal is greater understanding, ease, and connection—and a relationship that feels supportive, authentic, and true to who you are.
Credentials & Clinical Focus
Sarah K. Samman is a doctoral-level Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #106467) specializing in couple therapy. Her advanced training includes gendered power dynamics and Medical Family Therapy. Her clinical work also incorporates systemic, relational, strength-based, feminist-informed, and neurodivergent-affirming perspectives.
Dr. Sarah’s clinical background also extends beyond traditional outpatient therapy. She spent eight years working in Saudi Arabia, including six years in disability research and two years at a neuroscience center within a medical city. This experience deepened her understanding of acute and chronic health conditions and the ways health challenges can affect individuals, relationships, and families.
Licensure/Education
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - CA #106467
15 years of clinical experience
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Marital and Family Therapy - Loma Linda University, 2016
Post-Masters Certificate in Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) - Loma Linda University, 2015
Master of Arts (MA), Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy with Addictions specialization - Lewis & Clark College, 2012