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samantha potthoff therapist in california

SAMANTHA POTTHOFF

M.A., LMFT 119290

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings.”

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- CHARLIE WARDLE

ABOUT

Samantha completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, where she earned her B.A. in Neuroscience. Her fascination with the mind-body connection was further amplified during her career in medicine, where she witnessed firsthand how mental and physical health are deeply intertwined. Driven by a passion to help others navigate these complexities, Samantha pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her advanced education and diverse experiences have equipped her to effectively support individuals and families on their path to holistic health.

"I take a personalized approach to address your presenting concerns using multiple modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as integrating psychodynamic theory and relational techniques. I view psychotherapy as a way to gain a better understanding of oneself and provide an individual with insight into their own life. Having awareness surrounding one’s thoughts and feelings can lead to a more fulfilling and mindful existence.

 

I believe that the therapeutic relationship formed with my clients can be in and of itself a healing experience and really a branching-off point towards the road of self-discovery. The therapy room is truly a safe space to explore who you are and who you want to become. The type of therapy I do comes from gaining an understanding of why something is happening in the first place. Rather than put a Band-Aid on it, I like to get to the root of the issue in order to create an opportunity for change and a new experience."

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Childhood Abuse

  • OCD

MODALITIES

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)

  • Grief/Loss

  • Attachment Concerns

  • Chronic Health Issues

  • Personality Disorders

  • Kink/BDSM

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

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