Sam Donham

Bio

We all experience challenges or obstacles in life, but sometimes they become too heavy to carry alone. I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential and overcome these obstacles through therapy. My goal for counseling is to empower my clients to make meaningful changes in their lives.

I realize that building a trusting relationship is the key to therapy being successful. For this reason, I work from a client-centered approach to create a warm, empathetic and nonjudgmental atmosphere. I aim to be as authentic as possible with my clients so that they feel welcome to show up openly and authentically as well. I also recognize that people’s culture and background strongly impact their perspective, so I make an effort to understand my client’s cultural background and how that influences their beliefs.

I graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Psychology and DePaul University with an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counseling in Illinois. I have experience working with adults and adolescents dealing with issues related to addiction, anxiety, depression, past traumas, relationship issues, and new life transitions. I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach to teach clients new skills as well as help them identify unhelpful ways of thinking and behaviors that are impeding them in life. I also recognize that sometimes people’s thinking and behaviors are not the problems, especially for clients from historically marginalized communities, so I also draw from narrative and client-centered approaches.

In-network insurances

Blue Cross Blue Shield • Self pay • Aetna • Cigna • United

Specialties

Addiction/Substance Abuse • Adjustment Disorder • Anger Management • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Daytime Sleepiness • Depression • Domestic Violence • Grief and Loss/Bereavement • Life Coaching • Life Transition • Major Depressive Disorder • Men's Health Issues • Mindfulness • Mood Disorders • Occupational Difficulties • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Trauma • Relationship Issues • Sadness • Self Esteem • Social Anxiety • Stress/Worry • Suicidal Thoughts

Education and training

• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, BS in Psychology
• DePaul University, MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Professional memberships

• American Counseling Association

Honors and awards

• Graduated with Distinction

Languages spoken

• English

Pronouns

• he/him/his