Sami Simpson, PhD, LMFT
Sami Simpson believes that healing is our birthright; and that while it is usually not our fault we have been wounded, it is our responsibility to take ownership of our healing. Sami utilizes a holistic, somatic approach to therapy, informed by 12 years as a massage therapist and 6 years of graduate school training to be a marriage and family therapist. Both western research and eastern medicinal philosophies indicate that trauma is a visceral experience, and can be stored in the body. Although not all of us have experienced obvious traumatic events, most of us have experienced a pile-up of many smaller traumas that impact our ability to feel safe and secure in the world, in our relationships, and even within ourselves.
As such, Sami seeks to connect clients with the truest form of themselves, understanding who they are and what they need. Her therapy work is informed by attachment theory, polyvagal theory, queer theory, feminist theory, and the intersectionality framework.
Sami’s specialty lies in doing family therapy with LGBTQ+ individuals in Latter-day Saint families. Family sessions with such families can be a delicate dance, and requires a therapist who is “culturally competent” in both the Queer world and the Mormon world. Sami was raised in the LDS religion and has been able to maintain deeply connected relationships with her family members who still subscribe to the religion. She understands the complex family dynamics that can arise when someone comes out as LGBTQ+ or decides to step away from the religion they were raised in. Sami utilizes an evidence-based approach for improving family relationships and reducing depression and suicidality, called Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT). She has published in a peer-reviewed journal on how to implement ABFT in families with transgender and gender-diverse youth experiencing suicidality.
Sami has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is in the final year of her PhD program in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech, where she is completing a dissertation called, “When Identities Collide: Best Practices for Family Therapy with LGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults in Mormon Families.” She is a two-time fellow in AAMFT’s Minority Fellowship Program and has received excellent training in providing a culturally responsive therapeutic environment.
Sami, her partner, and her dog Albie recently relocated from Virginia to Utah and are looking forward to exploring all it has to offer.
*Not Currently Accepting New Clients*