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Samuel Grimaldo, MA, LPC, LMFT

Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist


Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

EMDR Certified

Are you longing for change in your life, but feel stuck and obstructed from moving forward?  Hi, I am Sam, a licensed LPC and LMFT at Align Couples Therapy. My role as a counselor is to assist in the process of change that you desire for your life. Most of us are doing the best we can, but there are often obscure roadblocks.  The therapeutic process helps to identify and remove obstacles that are getting in the way. My role is to help people work through areas in their life where they might feel stuck and equip them with the skills and support they need to move forward with hope.  

There is no need to do this alone.  Together we will set goals and begin increasing awareness, developing insight, and establishing connections between patterns of thought, emotions, and behavior. It is easy to talk about the things we want and need, but until we are open and ready to talk about the things that are getting in the way, change will be extremely difficult. I believe growth and health is best created in the context of relationships. My goal is to develop a strong working relationship in which we can be honest, explore areas of growth, and together determine what is blocking the forward movement you would like to see in your life.

I work with adults from all backgrounds and specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, men’s issues, addictions, difficulties associated with life transitions, and couples work. I utilize therapy methods that are grounded in science and maximize our connection to others.

I am certified in EMDR for trauma and am working towards certification.  A history of trauma can show up in the present, blocking us from living our best lives and from others.  EMDR is a process by which we work to help you recover from PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorders. 

Let’s look at EMDR so that you can understand what it entails and how it can be helpful. When most people think about trauma, they think about abuse, auto accidents, or war. The developer of EMDR defines trauma in a more inclusive way. Whenever something happens that you are unable to process and you are left feeling in distress, with symptoms that just won’t go away, that’s also considered a trauma response. Traumatized people become stuck, stopped in their growth because they can’t integrate new experiences into their lives. Being traumatized means continuing to organize your life as if the trauma were still going on – unchanged and immutable, as every new encounter or event is contaminated by the past. If you think about it, you may discover that you’ve experienced a lot more trauma than you imagined. Most people have. If the trauma remains unresolved, it may be causing symptoms in your present life. The mind can heal as well as the body. I utilize EMDR to help my clients process these memories and continue their growth.

I also utilize EFT (Emotion Focused Couples Therapy) and Gottman Method Couples Therapy for couples work. I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and use these skills along with mindfulness to help my clients reach their goals.  

I am passionate about creating an intentional life I enjoy and surrounding myself with people who make me feel a strong sense of connection. I have been married to my wife Jessica for 8 years and together we have a son. When I am not working you can find me hiking, biking, camping, traveling, and seeking new experiences that will transform me as an individual.

 

Education:

·       BA in Psychology - Texas State University  2009-2012

·       MA in Counseling -St. Edwards University 2015-2017

Specialities:

  • Addiction (Substance Use Disorders)

  • Couples

  • Trauma

  • Adults

  • Mindfulness

  • Attachment


Advanced Training:

EMDR Certified

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Gottman Training – Level I/II

EFT-Externship

Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-3

Fee: $145 for 55 minutes

Blog Contributions: What is EMDR?

Start your therapy journey today! To make an appointment, please contact me here