About Me

My name is Sam Urena (she/her). I moved to Santa Barbara to attend UCSB and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in English. It was through books, literature, and poetry that I learned my love for listening to the human experience. Later, I would receive my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University for the same reason: my love for listening to the human experience. 

 

My approach is client-centered meaning I believe that you are the ultimate expert of your life. I’m here to help you through providing empathy, perspective, and a non-judgemental space. Therapy is co-created and what I mean by that is: we are doing this together. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the soil for healing and together we use evidence-based practices to water and nurture growth. I’m here to depathogize your pain and help you move through the realities of life with love, compassion, and wisdom.

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Through my work for Pacific Pride Foundation, I am trained to provide LGBTQ+ affirming services.

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I also have experience as a substitute teacher which has enabled me to understand and experience what students’ daily lives are like. I work with students with classroom and homework anxieties along with the other challenges school can bring.

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I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues as well as Religious Trauma Recovery. Feel free to reach out to learn more.