Ora Samuels

I want clients to know that I’m warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative in my approach. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all style of therapy, so I try to meet each person where they are and adjust based on what they need in the moment.

I use both talk therapy and art therapy, and you don’t need any experience with art for it to be helpful. Sometimes words are enough, and other times it can be easier to express things through creative work, either way is okay.

My style is supportive but also practical. I like helping clients understand what they’re feeling, build coping skills they can actually use day-to-day, and gently work through patterns that feel stuck or overwhelming.

Most importantly, I aim to create a space where you don’t feel judged, rushed, or pressured, just supported at your own pace.

My approach to therapy is flexible, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model, so I adjust my approach based on what feels most helpful in the moment, whether that’s processing, skill-building, or simply having space to talk things through.

I integrate talk therapy with creative/expressive techniques from art therapy. Art-making can help clients access emotions, experiences, and insights that are sometimes hard to reach through words alone, but no art experience is needed for it to be effective.

I also draw from CBT and DBT-informed skills to support clients with managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in practical, grounded ways. At the same time, I maintain a person-centered foundation, meaning the relationship and safety in the room come first.

Overall, my goal is to help clients feel understood, build coping tools that actually work in daily life, and move toward healing at a pace that feels manageable and respectful.

In the first session, clients can expect a calm, supportive space where we start getting to know each other and what brought them to therapy. There’s no pressure to share everything right away, we go at a pace that feels comfortable.

We’ll talk about what’s been going on recently, what they’re hoping to get out of therapy, and any goals they may already have in mind (or we can figure that out together). I also ask some general background questions to better understand their history and what has or hasn’t been helpful in the past.

I’ll explain how I work, including talk therapy and art therapy options, and clients can decide what feels like the best fit for them. If we use art in session, I guide it gently and keep it simple, no experience is needed.

By the end of the session, we usually have a clearer sense of direction and next steps, but the main focus is making sure the client feels comfortable, heard, and supported.