Samantha ChasseLMFT

When I was in high school I saw a statistic that half of marriages end in divorce. In that moment, I realized I wanted to change that statistic. Well fast forward years later, my mind had not changed and I was accepted into a program for marriage and family therapy. Little did I know at the time that therapy isn't about changing people or changing a statistic, it is much more complex than that. From the moment I started really learning about therapy, I realized that my goal was to witness people, no matter what they are experiencing, and giving them the autonomy to decide what they want to change about their life.

I think my personality is a key element of therapy. When you think about it (especially as a systems theory based practitioner) it is impossible to see your -self- as separate from the experience. One of the best therapeutic tools a therapist has is the relationship they share with their clients. For me, therapy is impossible if the relationship is not tended to. I like to laugh and have a direct approach to life. I tell it like it is and Im not afraid to address conflict or apologize when I'm wrong. I like to challenge my clients, gently, and celebrate their wins with them. It's not uncommon for me to dance when a client does something that I know is outside their comfort zone!

• Connecticut, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 2104

I have experience working in residential and outpatient eating disorder facilities, and intensive outpatient and outpatient co-occurring facilities. I have worked with all types of eating disorders (especially atypical anorexia), and many co-ocurring disorders including trauma (including complex trauma), substance use disorder, anxiety disorders and mood disorders. I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is an up and coming trauma therapy using bilateral stimulation via eye movements to help clients rewire negative associations in their brain. My approach to therapy is simple, we discuss what you would like to and I offer my direct assessment while keeping your goals in mind to get you closer to wellness. You are in the driver seat of your therapy, and I am here to help you along the way. Please reach out if you would like to know more.