Samara Quintero LMFT

Something important for a new client to know is that my job as their therapist, is to serve as their guide . I often tell my client, that we are walking a trail together and the mountain is their journey, their life path. I offer assistance, compassion, and a challenging voice to keep them pushing forward on that path. The work is done by the client, since after all, it is their trail and the hike is theirs. However when we've never walked a particular trail or are working towards developing a new way of thinking and walking in life, we need the guidance of someone who can offer an outside, unbiased perspective. Sometimes walking the path means facing unresolved feelings, buried wounds, and subconscious limiting beliefs that have kept the client from getting to where they'd like to be in life. We work together to clear those barriers which have kept them from making real long lasting change. Through this work, we forge a new path , a new way of being in which my client is able to reach the goals they are seeking to attain.

Success in therapy looks like gaining a deeper understanding of why you act the way you do, and a deeper awareness of the beliefs about yourself that inform those behaviors. You begin to learn where those beliefs come from, and then begin to work to change those beliefs and in turn change your behavior. You'll know you're making progress when it feels like you are responding rather than reacting, observing your emotions without becoming attached, and choosing more intentionally how to show up in relationships. Your inner world will no longer feel torturous or filled with suffering that often manifests in overwhelming anxiety or self defeating thoughts. A deeper sense of compassion and acceptance for yourself will develop, allowing you to experience the present moment rather than feeling stuck in the past or attempting to control the future.

The way in which my personal experiences has influenced my work with clients is in my own personal quest for self fulfillment and deep understanding of self. Since moving to Fort Lauderdale over a decade ago in pursuit of my master's degree, I have been on a deep spiritual and existential journey of understanding my purpose on earth and who I am as a human being. Through this process, I have engaged in my own personal psychotherapy, and participated in a two year clinical hypnotherapy retreat program in which not only did I learn techniques and skills as a clinician, but engaged in deep personal work to heal the inner wounds that kept me from fully embracing and accepting myself. As I healed myself, I became better able to guide others on their own journey of inner healing.

• Florida, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MT3265

In addition to my private practice, I have worked in a variety of settings with various populations including: *Substance Abuse rehabilitation with adults recovering from a variety of addiction issues *Intensive Outpatient Programs serving individuals with co-occurring disorders *In Home Therapy facilitating individual and family sessions to families with mental health and interpersonal issues *Court ordered outpatient group and individual therapy including facilitating the Batterer’s Intervention Program, Anger Management Program, and Substance Abuse treatment Coordinating and facilitating Trauma Intensive programs in residential treatment programs