Sam Elam, MA, NCC, LCMHC

Pronouns: she/her

psychotherapist, artist, advocate

Hello! My name is Sam (she/her/hers). I am a queer, anti-capitalist therapist who has been in the field since 2018. Before and since becoming a therapist, my work has focused on reproductive justice, sexual health, queer/trans liberation and support and social justice advocacy. I’ve been with Evergreen since February of 2020 and continue to enjoy the opportunity to work with some great folks here at this practice. 

Many of my current clients come to see me for management of ADHD symptoms, OCD symptoms, coming out/exploring sexual and gender identities, religious trauma and help with major life transitions. I tend to be a therapist that lets the client lead the way and will offer redirection when needed and challenge when necessary. I believe good rapport is the foundation of a successful therapeutic relationship and strive to find a genuine connection with each of my clients so we can work together towards their therapy goals. 

I believe that the client is the expert on their experience and will work with you to create a space that feels safe to process trauma, build supportive systems, accept feedback when helpful, develop healthy coping skills and discover a sense of acceptance towards yourself. I believe in allowing space for what is; meaning that life will sometimes look and feel draining, difficult and scary. I don’t seek to fix or ignore those feelings, rather I seek to embrace them and find a way to work with those feelings instead of against them. I use a variety of modalities including multicultural/feminist therapy, partswork, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and person-centered therapy. 

I grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and earned my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While in college, I worked at Planned Parenthood South Atlantic coordinating youth & young adult outreach programs focusing on healthy relationships, sexual health, reproductive freedom and LGTBQ+ support. I also frequently volunteered and worked with folks in the Public Health department at UNCG to help host events related to safe-sex, sexual identities, STI testing/education and stress-management. After undergrad, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Appalachian State University. Since graduating, I worked in the public school system as a high school counselor for two years before moving into private practice therapy. 

I moved to the Portland, OR area a couple of years ago and continue to work with my NC folks via telehealth which I am so grateful I’m able to do. I lived in Boone for 6 years and loved my time there and the community there. When I’m not working, I can usually be found spending time with my kiddo and partner, visiting flower farms, drinking too much caffeine, reading tarot, creating art or listening to my Feel Good playlist/podcasts. 

Sam is a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors and is licensed through the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, license #A15336.