Hi, I’m Dr. Sam Stokesberry!
I’m a counselor, researcher, and consultant who believes that understanding ourselves means understanding the relationships, systems, and environments that have shaped us.
A Different Way of Looking at Counseling
My work is rooted in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST), an approach that views people as emotional and relational beings rather than isolated individuals. BFST is grounded in the idea that human behavior makes more sense when we look at people in the contexts of their relationships. Rather than trying to “fix” yourself or identify what is “wrong” with you (or others), this approach creates space to get curious and understand the emotional processes that influence our thoughts, reactions, choices, and relationship patterns. Its about developing your ability to observe yourself, think clearly under emotional pressure, define what you believe and value, and make thoughtful choices about how you want to live.
I love working with a wide range of individuals, couples, and families but I specialize in supporting clients who are working through challenges related to chronic anxiety, relationship conflicts, boundary setting, sexual and physical abuse, people pleasing, personal identity development, and cases of human trafficking. I prioritize meeting my clients with an attitude of curiosity, learning, compassion, and playfulness.
A little more about me
Outside of counseling and research, I am an athlete, a super nerd, and a lifelong learner. I love being outdoors in nature, exploring new places, and getting lost in a good book. My life has taken me through some wonderfully unexpected places where I have had a number of life-changing experiences such as playing soccer for the women’s national league in South Africa, working in the nonprofit sector supporting survivors of human trafficking, earning a PhD, and moving from my hometown of Miami, Florida to start my counseling career in Austin, Texas.
I am curious by nature, a little unconventional, and I believe that life is better when there is room for both meaningful work and a healthy amount of play! As a queer, neurodivergent person, I know firsthand that there isn’t one right way to move through the world, and I value creating spaces where people can show up as themselves without having to hide who they are.
When I am not working, you’ll usually find me upside down on an aerial apparatus, reading about my current hyperfixation, sidequesting down a nature trail, or spending time with my friends and family.
Curious about working together?
Take a look around the site to learn more about counseling at Momentum. If you like what you’ve read so far and think I may be a good fit for you, then reach out to start a conversation with me. You can also schedule a free consult using the button below.