About me

Hello! My name is Samantha Whelan and I am an LPC currently licensed in Oklahoma, Alabama, and New Hampshire with 12 years of professional experience. I decided to take a sabbatical to raise my two children while continuing to keep up with professional development thru continuing education. During these years the ups and downs of everyday life with family, kids, and friends gave me more insight into personal life struggles than I could have acquired by only reading a textbook or sitting in my office. I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to help people who may be experiencing a personal, family, or relational challenge by providing support, practical feedback, skills-sets and tools that I have acquired in my many years of conducting group and individual psychotherapy sessions.

The majority of my professional counseling career was spent prior to the birth of my children. This period of intense focus on my development as a counselor provided me with the chance to develop the capacity to exhibit sympathy and accurate empathy when working with some of society's most challenging circumstances. During this critical time of professional growth, I had the distinct honor to work with people struggling with the grip of addiction and mental health challenges. Because of the bio-psycho-social nature of the disease of addiction, I was challenged to become competent in addressing a myriad of my clients social, emotional, spiritual, physical, legal, familial, and financial issues caused by the trauma of unhealthy habits and poor decision making. I also learned many substance abusers had issues of ADHD, ODD and anxiety which created the same problems of low self esteem, anger, problems with peer relationships, work or academic challenges and family issues which was the same issues teens have with ADHD, ODD and Anxiety. I have worked extensively with these issues personally and professionally with teens to adults.

It was during these early years that I developed my own personal style of counseling and psychotherapy. This style of therapy is deeply rooted in the discipline of cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral theory, motivational interviewing, and client centered therapy . These styles allow both you and I to work together during our therapy sessions. I would also like to mention that I myself have been where you are. I have sought out counseling as well and as a counselor myself I had very high standards. I feel like this experience also gave me such great insight into what it felt like to be "on the other side of the desk" and I truly knew how it felt to be heard and validated and I hope that I can make my clients feel the same way.

It is my belief that most individuals fall somewhere along a continuum of change. Many times a person’s lack of awareness of where they might be placed on this continuum is a starting point for our counseling sessions. Change doesn't happen overnight. But, my hope for you is that we can find out what you would like to improve and find out what types of behavior change need to happen in order for you to accomplish your personal growth goals in a safe, confidential setting. Always remember your agenda is my agenda.

I look forward to working with you!


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Addictions
  • Relationships
  • Family conflicts
  • Self esteem, Motivation
Also experienced in:
Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Depression , Coping with life changes , Coaching , ADHD , Commitment Issues , Control issues , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 14

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

AL LPC LPC02051

AZ LPC 22349

OK LPC LPC07275


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Samantha Whelan. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Apr 04, 2023 after therapy with Samantha for 2 years and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts

I have worked with Samantha for two and a half year and the amount of progress I've made has been incredible. Samantha is a great listener and the tools and resources she suggest are incredibly valuable. I have always felt like she was a team member on my side to help me through hard decisions. She's a very skilled therapist who always goes the extra mile.

Written on Sep 19, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Samantha is always available for messages or chatting at anytime I have needed and works great with my needs for scheduling. She is great and is always understanding

Written on Aug 28, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd

Samantha has been a literal godsend. She’s helped me get through so many difficulties and guides me daily. She’s the absolute best.

Written on Jul 29, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, and lgbt

Samantha,

You are amazing and I am very grateful for you and to you. It amazes me how real of a person you are as a therapist and how much I trust you. You are like a family member to me and someone I think very highly of. I think you are a wonderful person.

I thank you also for the opportunity to be grateful and to feel gratitude. Sometimes it makes me emotional just thinking about it and I feel warmth in my heart.

You are no doubt a blessing to me and I'm sure everyone else who is lucky enough to have you as their therapist

Written on Jul 27, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning relationship

She has repeatedly appropriately addressed my concerns and I would highly recommend her.

Written on Jul 19, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem

I really enjoy working with Samantha and I have found she has helped me in many areas of my life. Just having someone to work through some harder areas of my life with has made all the difference.

Written on Jun 02, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I started working with Samantha when I most needed her in my life. I was dealing with a really toxic relationship and was struggling to see things clearly. She helped me see straight and gave me the confidence to stand up for myself and my beliefs. She helped me in the aftermath of the relationship to get back on my feet and start living the life I deserve. I couldn't recommend her enough!

Written on Mar 10, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 2 years on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and coping with life changes

I have worked with Samantha for a while now, without going into too much detail, I can attest that I have seen many counselors throughout the years that were not able to help with the "root problem", Samantha was able to figure it out and provide counseling for that - that helped in so many ways - it was that "AH HA" moment that I had been looking for - for so long. She is a great counselor - my life has been a lot better since meeting her and working with her - my marriage as well.

Written on Feb 27, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 11 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Samantha has been a great therapist for me over the last several months. She is very attentive and responsive, and has helped with relationship issues and stress reduction.

Written on Jan 17, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 5 months

Samantha has been working with me for a year now and has been great. She's very knowledgeable about different techniques I can use when my anxiety is bad and have a feeling of no self control. She's been so patient with me, listening to me and letting me vent as much as I wanted to. She never made me feel crazy or judged me so I felt safe to share my broblems with her. I am now managing my stress better and I am able to recognize triggers that causes me to have panic attacks and use the tools she taught me to control my feelings before it gets out of control and have a panic attack.

Written on Jan 12, 2022 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

I've been in and out of therapy my entire life probably 8 to 10 over time. I can say that without a doubt I have never seen so much progress in myself as I have with her. The way the conversations are had I feel listened too and have -plenty of different options and solutions to different situations that I would have never thought of if it was for her. If your are looking for a therapist and willing to put in the work with a strong supportive therapist DO NOT hesitate.

Written on Dec 16, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 1 month

I have struggled with depression and anxiety since I was a child. At 34, married with two children, I really find I need the extra help with my mental health.. During the pandemic I took the leap and finally started therapy for the first time in my life. I was matched with Samantha Whelan and immediately felt as though we connected and that she genuinely wanted to see me succeed in life. In the past year of having her as my therapist, she has seen many highs and lows. I have been through career transitions and marital problems. It was so nice having someone completely unbiased to vent to when I needed. She brought to light some things about myself that I may have not discovered had I not been in therapy with her. I really looked forward to my weekly sessions with her, and looked forward to her input. I would highly recommend Samantha Whelan as a therapist.

Written on Nov 04, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief

She's great !

Written on Oct 11, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Samantha has been a rock for me while we worked together on my mental health. She was always understanding and supportive as I learned how to better manage my stress and anxiety. She was there for me through really tough times in my life and I appreciate her for everything she has helped me with.

Written on Sep 18, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 8 months

Covid has Reeked havoc on many families in many different ways especially with young teens this past year return to counseling as a way for my young teen to cope with things and we were matched with Samantha who was unbelievable. She was a positive energy who gave my team multiple different avenues and outlets to express himself and work through issues . She made it easy to maintain an open line of communication always. We feel very lucky that we were matched with her in our appreciative of all the work that she put in!

Written on Sep 04, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I felt better after just my first session with Samantha when I felt completely helpless and worried I would never feel ok again. She has used a variety of different tools to help me in a lot of different ways and is always extremely considerate to my concerns and my changing schedule. I'm always worried about annoying others but she is very laid back. She has understood even my illogical thought processes with my OCD without making me feel bad about them while helping me realize why I have them in the first place.

Written on Aug 23, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and anger management

She’s amazing

Written on Apr 30, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, and bipolar disorder

Definitely recommend. She prioritizes my mental needs and always has the time to help me in my time of need.

Written on Mar 30, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning relationship

I highly recommend Samantha she is caring she listens to me she has tremendously helped Us on our relationship but also me personally.

Written on Mar 28, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Samantha Whelan is so down to earth and really cares about all of her patients. She is always available via text when you need her and will even schedule a weekend appointment with you if needed. Samantha is super flexible and goes above and beyond to help you. She is great at giving advice and helping people work through complex emotions. Samantha has helped me learn several new techniques to cope with my anxiety and OCD and challenge my negative thinking patterns. My mental health has improved a lot since working with Samantha. If you want a counselor to give you the tools to transform your life then I highly recommend Samantha Whelan.

Written on Mar 23, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 4 months

She was wonderful and always listened to my concerns without judgement. She gave me loads of helpful advice and was so flexible when it comes to my irregular schedule. I would absolutely recommend her to a friend.

Written on Feb 03, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Samantha is the best!

Written on Jan 11, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 1 year on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem

Samantha Whelan is a very awesome counselor and is really wanting to help you have with whatever problems you’re dealing with. She listens very well and she has an awesome personality. I’m very thankful to have her in my life.

Written on Jan 10, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 8 months on issues concerning relationship

Samantha is very kind and down to earth. She can be brutally honest when the situation needs it, and that helped me work through some of my issues. I came to enjoy talking to her weekly. If I ever needed to come back, I would without a doubt choose her again.

Written on Jan 10, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 8 months on issues concerning relationship

Samantha has been truly amazing help fix our relationship. We have been with her for about a year and have improved tremendously. Whenever friends say they are having issues I always tell them to use this app to get help. Our relationship has been saved.

Written on Jan 09, 2021 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Samantha is insightful, diplomatic, an active listener, realistic, has real world experienced, non-judgmental, honest, and is a trust worthy counselor. She's applies realistic, objective, and achievable solutions to issues discuss. I feel that she will help me achieve my personal goals.

Written on Dec 19, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

This has been life changing

Written on Dec 12, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Samantha has been the best therapist I ever had! From the first moment she made me feel comfortable and safe to talk openly about what is going on in my life. She has really helped me through a lot of changes and I am forever grateful!

Written on Nov 17, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

Samantha has been really amazing for me. I’ve seen at least 10+ different therapists over the years and not one has offered me the education she has. From something as simple as recommending a book to me after our first session, a book that I never knew existed (because no one ever suggested it!) that I felt I could have written myself and helped me immensely. She answered me whenever I needed her, no matter if it was nights/weekends etc. I would always hear back from her almost immediately and never made it seem like I was bothering her. She is always super kind and compassionate but will also be really straight forward with you, which I appreciate. She also helps you brainstorm and is always ready with suggestions instead of just the stereotypical listening and nodding- type counselors. I hope to continue working with her in the future, and I’m sad that I have to discontinue at the moment due to financial reasons. Thank you Samantha!

Written on Nov 12, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem

Samantha is amazing , intuitive and really has helped me so much .

Written on Oct 22, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety

Samantha is the best , I am very thankful for her

Written on Oct 08, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes

She is the best! Tells you the truth! Very uplifting! Patient about deeper problems and makes you feel more comfortable to talk about them

Written on Sep 20, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Samantha has been a great counselor. As my first experience with counseling I was not sure what to expect. She outlined a lot of the basics of counseling for me and made it very clear how to process would work. She is great at listening and providing constructive feedback. She also provided me with some very valuable worksheets that I can read and write about outside of meetings as well as information on nearby support groups I can look into. Samantha is a great counselor.

Written on Aug 24, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Samantha has been the only therapist that has given me a diagnosis and how to deal with it. She’s had me doing worksheets and reading to do. Then would go over what I thought and ideas on how to change it. She let me think for myself instead of just giving me what I wanted to hear.

Written on Aug 21, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem

Samantha is a wonderful counselor! She gives me space to vent my feelings and listens to me. I like that she will also be honest with me and give me a new perspective to try to look at the situation that I am in so that I can grow as a person. I can see progress in many areas and have her to thank for giving me the tools to change!

Written on Aug 17, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and grief

Samantha has been kind and accepting of me. She listens very well and is capable of delivering hard truths in a kind way. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone I know

Written on Aug 13, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning relationship

She is very understanding about both sides issues and finds a middle ground. She also hold each party responsible. She knows when to lay off a subject and when to push. I highly recommend her in marriage, relationship counseling.

Written on Jul 18, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Samantha is awesome. She is incredibly versatile and attentive. I started counseling for certain reasons and then I lost a close family member and she immediately changed our direction upon my request and was able to help me at the drop of a hat. I was important enough to her to work in on Sundays and she was available. I have to stop due to financial reasons but will definitely be back and have chosen to reconnect with her again.

Written on Jul 13, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Samantha is a wellspring of accountability and encouragement and I appreciate her help greatly.

Written on Jul 10, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months

I love her and she is helping me so much.

Written on Jun 27, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, and adhd

Samantha is excellent. Extremely. She caught onto an issue that my previous therapist of 20 years never thought of and I think that angle to work on my issues would have worked wonders. I highly recommend her.

Written on Jun 16, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 5 months on issues concerning relationship

Samantha has really helped my husband and I work through our problems communicating in our relationship. Thanks to her insight, we are communicating much better and helping each other meet our needs. Working with her has been a very reaffirming experience.

Written on Jun 08, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues

I came into therapy not knowing what to expect. I’d lived the last 20 years plagued with negative thoughts I’d accepted as reality, and my mind had done an outstanding job making these stories come to life and me to accept them as infallible truth. I’d gotten to point I couldn’t deal with my own mind anymore, and i was caught in a loop of self torment and destructive actions, not only impacting me but people i love.

Samantha listened, helped me figure out the root causes of my negative distorted thought patterns, and gave me tools to not only manage, but overcome my negative thoughts and feelings. I didn’t know what to expect coming into all of this, but to say that 20 years of pain was defused and I’m happier and more at peace than I’ve ever been would be an accurate way to sum it up. I now have the tools and confidence to live my life free of my own torment. She helped give me exactly what I needed to live life happily and I cannot tell you how happy I am. Definitely recommend, if that wasn’t obvious already.

Written on Jun 02, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 1 month on issues concerning relationship

Samantha is really great at listening and quickly identifying areas that need to be addressed. My husband and I came in with worn out ears and tongues but Samantha rose to the challenge and has given us new tools and perspective that we've never experienced in over 20 years of friendship and marriage. We are so grateful for her help and support!

Written on May 13, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes

I have just started my journey with Samantha Whelan and I am already thrilled. I have finally found a therapist that resonates w me and is willing to focus on what I want to work on. I highly recommend her!

Written on May 12, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and anger management

She has been extremely helpful for me.

Written on May 06, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Wonderful!

Written on May 02, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes

Samantha is an amazing therapist! She has helped me so much with just day to day issues to more serious complicated ones. She always responds to my messages in a timely manor and is always there for me when I need her. I highly recommend her to anyone!! If you’re looking for someone who truly cares about what’s best for you Samantha is who you want.

Written on Apr 14, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Samantha is a great counselor, on my first session I felt like she could help me overcome my issues. I highly recommend her and her skills! She is such a nice, understanding and extremely helpful person!

Written on Apr 03, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 4 months on issues concerning relationship

Samantha is great. I can really open up to her and I trust her guidance. I need long term support and I believe she’s the right person to give it.

Written on Mar 26, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Samantha is very professional.

Written on Feb 11, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Samantha is very approachable and kind. She offers helpful advice and is good at helping figure out solutions to problems. She has uses several tools that allow me to consider more deeply why I feel the way I'm feeling and how I want to see it change.

Written on Jan 17, 2020 after therapy with Samantha for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts

Samantha is great! I've never done therapy before and I wanted to give it a shot, I'm glad I did and she makes it easy for me. I wasn't sure what to talk about at first and how this works but she walked me through it and she makes it really easy to open up and talk about everything and she helps me figure things out and how to resolve the issues I'm having. I'd definitely recommend her, she is great and I'm thankful that I got her as my therapist.

Written on Dec 18, 2019 after therapy with Samantha for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Samantha is a great therapist. I have had a few of them, and my experience with her has been the most positive one. She is actively listening during sessions and not just staring silently at a notebook as I speak. It is very comfortable and precisely what I was looking for.

I am going through some significant life changes at the moment. Having a highly-demanding career on top of that only adds to the stress. Samantha gets that and finds creative strategies to help me manage my life in ways that make sense for my situation.

Does it really get better than that? Yes, it does.

She spends time with me when I need it or when I am experiencing stressful moments. There is no unduly or long delay in her response to my messages, and Samantha's cheerful, yet authentic, disposition speaks to me as a person.

Along with her guidance, I have completed three big lifestyle goals, and I am going on to achieve four more over the next few weeks. In one month, I have received the right amount of support as I strive to make a better life for myself.

I've had a few high-anxiety moments, and Samantha provides me with actionable tips and insights so I can help myself get through that moment. I am learning much from her, and I feel like she values what I bring to the table, too. In short, we work together to find what works for me in a healthy, mindful way.

She is a wise, experienced, and friendly professional. It is my responsibility, as a client, to do the work. But she is there every time I need help taking the next step. I look forward to what this continued journey reveals.

Thank you for helping me feel better about myself, Samantha.

Work with me!