Sam DiMartino
MSW, LMSW; he/him
therapist
I am delighted to give folks the opportunity to meet their most confident, competent selves and to find joy in the journey of doing so. Whether that means healing from trauma, navigating systemic challenges, or learning how to get out of your own way— I believe you deserve to live authentically, richly, and joyfully.
I also acknowledge that each of us exists within larger systems (some of which may be inherently unjust or broken) and that building such a life often requires you to find belongingness and support both from within and from without.
Together, we can find ways to give you advantages and new tools in the pursuit of belonging, self-discovery, and peace.
I also believe that…
You already have everything you need to heal and thrive. As your therapist, I believe you bring the most valuable piece of the puzzle with you when you arrive for a session - you. Each time we meet, our mission will be to collaborate on making life’s internal and external challenges tangible, conceivable, and, ultimately, navigable. I believe each and every person possesses a unique set of strengths, and together we can equip you with new ways to use those strengths to tackle life’s challenges.
Your experiences have played a large role in shaping you— AND you are much more than your experiences. For many, the struggle to find oneself is the struggle to escape situations, places, and people who force us to get to know versions of ourself we may not care for. I believe in making therapy a safe space to get to know the you you met when faced with trauma, abuse, systemic oppression, justice involvement, neglect, and other means life may have tried to dim your light. It is the greatest privilege this work affords me to help you take the first steps in recognizing these hurts are not, and were never, a reflection of you, your worth, or what you deserve.
Self-love means freedom from shame and embracing that you are a work in progress. You know yourself best, and sometimes that can feel like a curse. When we look at ourself through a lens of our own (or others’) unreasonable expectations, it can be challenging to give ourself the compassion and space we need. Perfection and “good enough” do not have to be opposites, but instead can be one and the same. Together, we can work to help you shift from the pressure of “I should _____” to the freedom of “I’d love to _____.”
My purpose at The Gaia Center is to help you meet the version of yourself you most long to be by providing you a validating, judgment-free space to do the kind of challenging, rewarding work you want to do in therapy.
I am especially passionate about working with adults and teens who are neurodivergent, navigating mood disorders, justice-involved, or who may be trying therapy for the first time.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with folks within the same community, and aim to offer a therapy environment that is completely affirming of each individual’s gender, sexuality, and identity.
Additionally, as a cis-male therapist, I also aim to be a restorative presence for those who may have lived through traumatic experiences involving cis-males. While I know that piece may be small, even the possibility of providing a corrective emotional experience in this way is an honor for me in this work.
Some of the issues I work with folks on include (but are not limited to): grief, trauma (past and present), abuse, anxiety, depression, toxic masculinity & men’s issues, relationship challenges, recovery from substance use, systemic oppression, and identity exploration.
In our sessions, I start from a person-centered and strengths-based approach and incorporate elements of TF-CBT, ACT, DBT, SMART goals, and exposure therapy interventions; as well as existential, philosophical, feminist, mindfulness, and compassion-focused approaches.
Credentials
Sam completed his Bachelors and Masters in Social Work at the University of Tennessee and currently holds the LMSW credential as he works toward full LCSW licensure under the supervision of Valerie Martin, LCSW.
Human First…
When I’m not working, you can find me gaming (I’ve played through Ocarina of Time and Earthbound more times than I can count 👀), baking, drinking coffee, listening to a podcast - or doing some wild combination of all four. I was an aspiring comedian in a past life and still love taking time to write, stream, or work on any kind of fun project when I can. My two cats, Claus and Sophie, do not laugh at my jokes, but my wife does (sometimes).
Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Sam?
Sam works with adults (individuals and couples) and adolescents 13+.
Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.
Hours & Rates…
🌱 Typically sees clients on Mondays 10am-5pm in-person, Tuesdays during the day virtually, Wednesday afternoons/evenings in-person, and Thursdays/Fridays 10am-5pm in-person.
🌱 Individual 50-minute session is $135 ($155 for couples)
🌱 Individual 75-minute session is $200 ($230 for couples)
🌱 Sam reserves several reduced-fee spots for clients in financial need; you can inquire to see if any of these spots are available. Reduced fee services are also available with graduate interns at The Gaia Center.