Samantha Reyes, Licensed Mental Health Counselor grew up wanting to be a therapist. 

Raised in a military household, Samantha says that there was little talk about feelings, not to mention seeking support for mental health struggles. 

“I realized pretty early on that I wanted to support people with their mental health and break the stigma and shame in asking for help,” says Samantha. 

With years of experience supporting individuals with various mental health concerns and life challenges, including adolescents in the juvenile justice system, Samantha has fostered an empathic, person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach to counseling that makes clients feel heard and valued. 

She believes that rapport building between counselor and client serves as the foundation for therapeutic work, and is an on-going process built on trust, mutual respect, curiosity, and emotional connection. Samantha enjoys bringing humor into sessions, where appropriate, to strengthen and humanize the therapeutic relationship.  

Above all, Samantha is here to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to process and heal, resulting in a more satisfying and authentic life.

We sat down with Samantha to learn more about her approach to working with individuals and couples online in Massachusetts and in-person from our Wilbraham office.

What has your background in the mental health field involved?

After earning my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Westfield State I worked in community mental health, supporting low-income communities and families. From there, I worked with adolescents in the juvenile justice system for about six years, before working with  a group private practice supporting individuals with various presenting concerns.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My approach to counseling is person-centered and relational. I’m really drawn to the rapport building process, which involves getting to know clients on a personal level with curiosity, compassion, humor, and cultural sensitivity. 

I spend a lot of time asking clients questions, inviting them to talk about their history, background, who they are, and what they enjoy. I like to use humor, when appropriate, to remind clients that it’s important to laugh and find joy in life, especially when everything seems serious and heavy.

I’ll utilize psychoanalytic therapy to help clients explore and understand the root of their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences as they relate to their present mental health and behaviors. When clients are repeating patterns in relationships, work, behaviors, and lifestyles that no longer serve them, I’ll challenge clients and guide them in a collaborative way towards growth. 

I’m certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an intervention proven to aid in integrating traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation while revisiting the traumatic event. We’ll work slowly to reduce the emotional intensity of the memories, talking through the client’s experiences and feelings that may come up. 

EMDR isn’t for everyone; I like to offer various trauma-informed approaches that best suit the client’s needs. I’ll also offer clients additional resources and coping techniques to manage trauma-related distress and promote healing. 

I’ll also utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and distressing thoughts related to trauma. Both approaches help individuals gain more awareness of the present moment, and as a result become more intentional with their thoughts, emotions and behaviors in the here and now.

What mental health conditions and life challenges do you offer counseling for?

I offer counseling to adolescents, adults, and couples who may be struggling with the following mental health conditions and life challenges: 

• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• Anger Management
• Self-Harm/Self-Injurious Behaviors
• Sexual Offenders
• LGBTQIA+
• Obsessive and Compulsive Disorder
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Trauma

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

I really enjoy interactions with clients. I look forward to hearing about their week and listening intently to their experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a constant source of support and encouragement for people, especially those who may not have another person to turn to in times of difficulty.

What do you like about living in Massachusetts?

I’m originally from Florida and I really love living in a place that experiences all four seasons. I live in the Springfield area and I appreciate its proximity to nature and the city. I also really appreciate living in a community where diversity is celebrated and minorities are supported.

Schedule an appointment with Samantha Reyes, LMHC today:

Samantha Reyes, LMHC is here to remind you that your mental wellbeing matters, and she is here to safely support your process of healing. Samantha will be a reliable, accepting, and encouraging person who is always in your corner.

To start working with Samantha Reyes online in Massachusetts or in-person from our office in Wilbraham, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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