Sam Levy, Clinical intern

Sam is a masters-level clinical intern from Northwestern University with a background in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Texas. As a generalist, he has experience supporting a range of clients and has worked with individuals from various backgrounds. Previously, Sam provided care at The Family Institute, where he worked with individuals across the lifespan and of diverse ethnic, racial, spiritual, gender, and sexual identities.

Sam views therapy as a chance to unlearn the ways we’ve protected ourselves in the past. We do this by finding security in an authentic and meaningful relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to impact and be impacted by another person. His approach to therapy is all about meeting a client where they are emotionally, finding a genuine connection moment to moment.

Sam is committed to social justice practices, hoping to heal the wounds of oppression on both an individual and societal level. His treatment approach is collaborative, with a focus on authentic relationships and mutual respect to help clients grow and find solutions aligned with their values.

Sam believes that everyone is capable of change and growth, and he uses this belief to hold his client in a safe space while pushing them to find solutions and put them into action. He empowers his clients to make choices in line with their values and be active participants in their growth and healing. Therapy isn’t a doctor prescribing treatments for a patient. It’s two people trying to find their way through a dark swamp filled with fog, and Sam will walk with you until you find your way out together.

Sam places great importance on life’s existential questions, and it’s likely you’ll talk about things like creating meaning for yourself, taking responsibility for your choices, and the anxiety we all feel around our own mortality. If that sounds a little heavy, he also believes in the power of humor to connect and heal, and he has been often credited with his ability to use humor in clinical and professional settings to ease tension and build relationships.

Outside of his roles as counselor and student, Sam is an avid reader (and watcher of TV and film) and enjoys spending slow mornings and nights with his cats Christopher and Winnie. He values and appreciates his job at a local reconstructionist synagogue that allows him to be with and impact his community.