Samantha White

Who I Am

My name is Samantha White, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

I offer counseling online throughout the state of Missouri and in person in Columbia, Mo.

Who I Work With

I specialize in treating those who have difficult relationships with their body and food (eating disorders/disordered eating), those who have experienced trauma or are experiencing anxiety (PTSD, GAD, etc.), and those who struggle with chronic suicidal thoughts.

I work with youth to adults, as well as have experience working with an array of first responders. 

My ideal client is a young adult or adult who has been spinning their wheels and is now looking for evidence-based treatment that leads to feeling freedom in their day- to-day life. 

How I Work

One treatment I am trained in is called Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). I use this evidence-based therapy to treat PTSD in as little as 3 months. I often use this with clients who find other trauma therapies not to be for them or those who dislike writing assignments. 

Another of my approaches to therapy is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is utilized to treat those who struggle with emotional regulation and relationship skills. This is a therapy where I get to see individuals who struggle with suicidal ideation begin to thrive. 

Another approach in my toolbelt is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). When I use CBT, it is not a term used to describe talk therapy, but an evidence-based practice in which we learn how thoughts, emotions, and actions present in your day-to-day life, and begin to challenge them together to grow.

When it comes to my style of therapy. I am empathically direct. As a therapist, it is my goal to reach your goals. Being direct and empathetic is part of how we begin to move towards those goals. However, I am fluent in sarcasm when the occasion calls for it. Humor is ever-present in my work with individuals. 

For individuals nervous about a first-time therapy appointment, I want you to know that calling and showing up to that first appointment is the hardest and bravest step you can make. You’ve got this, and I am here to help you the rest of the way.

My Background & Training

I graduated from John Brown University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have completed the following trainings and more:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBTmo certified)

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy

• Level 1 Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy

• Over 40+ hours of continuing education in treating eating disorders. 

I have been a therapist for a decade now, and I spent the majority of that time working at a clinical mental health center in southern Missouri. While there, I focused on the treatment of eating disorders, personality disorders, and chronic anxiety or depression. In the past few years, I moved to mid-Missouri, where I have been active in teaching other counselors in the classroom and supervising them in obtaining their licensure. I am excited to continue both roles at Aspire. 

A Little About Me

When I am not at work, you can often find me in my backyard, drinking coffee, working on my garden, or playing with my dog, Charlie. If I am not there than my husband and I have likely packed up the dog and gone camping. 

I feel called to this work. To help individuals who have struggled like those in my family, and by helping them, it is my hope that the wealth of their mental health helps others to grow as well. 

What I Believe About Therapy

My core beliefs about therapy are:

• Difficult situations are often learning opportunities we grow from. 

• Therapy is not meant to last forever.

• A good and trusting relationship with your therapist is one of the biggest factors in your success in therapy. 

Ready to Get Started?

I see clients in person at our Columbia location and via telehealth throughout Missouri. To get started, call 573-328-2288.

You deserve to move forward with your life. You can be the version of yourself you wish to be. I’m just here to support you on that journey.