Support for adults and teens in Walnut Creek and across California

Compassionate therapy to help you heal and move forward with confidence

Specializing in depression and anxiety, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum

Samantha Schaefer, LCSW, PMH-C

You’re doing your best—but it still feels like too much.

You’re stuck in survival mode, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

Maybe you're carrying pain from the past that still shows up in the present.
Maybe you're a new mom wondering why this is so hard—and feeling guilty for even asking the question.
Maybe anxiety or depression has crept in, making everything feel heavier than it should.

You might find yourself thinking, “I should …..”

  • Be over this by now.

  • Be able to handle it all.

  • Feel more grateful.

  • Not be struggling so much.

  • Be enjoying life more than this.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken.

You’re human.

And you don’t have to keep doing this alone.

White vase with Eucalyptus leaves on white background

Imagine feeling more grounded, more present, and more at ease.

With the right support, healing is possible. You can:

  • Process the past without being consumed by it.

  • Break the cycle of anxiety and self-doubt.

  • Feel more like you again—calm, connected, and in control.

You deserve support that meets you where you are—with compassion, not judgment.

Let’s take that first step together.

Smiling white woman therapist, Samantha Schaefer, LCSW, with long blonde hair and glasses, sitting outdoors

Meet Sam

I am a trauma-informed therapist focused on supporting youth, adults and couples during difficult life transitions. I have experience working with individuals struggling with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum or the transition to parenthood. I will work with you to rediscover your authentic sense of self, learn tools that help you navigate challenges, and live your life more fully. My clients say I’m authentic, direct and solution-focused. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish.

You've already taken an important first step: You're here. Let’s work together to get you on the path to feeling like yourself again.

Specialties

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Trauma & EMDR

If you find that your past experiences are casting a shadow on your ability to fully embrace and enjoy the present moment, there is hope for healing from PTSD and moving forward.

Baby shoes resting in a golden field

Pregnancy & Postpartum

Whether you're struggling to overcome the baby blues or rediscovering your sense of self, I'm here to help. Let's work together to equip you with the skills and support necessary to navigate postpartum depression and anxiety.

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Depression & Anxiety

Something has you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Maybe you're wondering when it gets better or if this is all there is. Individual therapy can be the first step toward cultivating a lifestyle with less anxiety and more fulfilling relationships.

My approach

  • I am direct and bring my authentic self to each session to foster a trusting and mutually respectful relationship. I am not a blank slate who will nod along during session. I show up fully in the same way I hope my clients will.

  • We’ll work together to create goals and actively work toward them so you leave our time together being able to identify concrete strategies to manage any challenges that come up.

  • My goal is to create a mutually-respectful, emotionally safe environment where you feel heard and accepted wherever you are in your journey. You are the expert on your life. I will always treat you with dignity, compassion and professionalism.

  • We’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan that you feel invested in and that addresses your specific needs. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I believe in tailoring my approach to your unique experiences and needs.

  • I bring a variety of training and treatment experience to our work. I provide brief solution-based therapy as well as longer-term work, and incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive approaches including modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

  • "I am deeply grateful for the incredible support and care Sam has provided me over the past 18 months. We began working together when I was still pregnant, facing a challenging diagnosis that filled me with anxiety and uncertainty. Her guidance and reassurance helped me navigate those early fears, and as I entered the postpartum period, she continued to be a steady source of comfort and strength."

    Client testimonial

  • "When severe postpartum depression and moments of suicidal ideation became overwhelming, she was there to offer a safe, compassionate space where I could confront my emotions without judgment. Her empathy, patience, and expertise have been nothing short of life-changing. She not only listened to me but also gave me the tools and guidance I needed to heal, rebuild my confidence, and rediscover joy in my life."

    Client testimonial

  • "She helped me understand that healing is a journey, and she walked alongside me every step of the way. There were days when I didn’t think I could go on, but her unwavering support reminded me that I wasn’t alone. She truly saved my life—there’s no other way to put it."

    Client testimonial

  • "If you are looking for a therapist who is compassionate, skilled, and deeply invested in your well-being, I cannot recommend her highly enough. She has been a beacon of hope for me during the most challenging times in my life, and I will forever be grateful for her kindness and dedication."

    Client testimonial

Heal the Wounds You Can’t See.

Rediscover Peace, Confidence, and Emotional Clarity.

Ready to get started?

Step 1

Schedule a free 15 minute consultation to get a sense of what it’s like to talk with me. We will discuss your needs and how I can support you, you can ask any questions you have about me, my approach or therapy in general. You decide if we’re the right fit and if you would like to move forward with scheduling an appointment with me.

Step 2

We can either meet in person in my office or you can join our video sessions from a comfortable, private space where we’ll start the work of uncovering the root of what is stopping you from moving toward the life you want. Commit to regularly scheduled appointments and come ready to unpack patterns of behavior, past experiences and explore narratives.

If you’re newly postpartum, baby is welcome to join session with you, either in person or virtually.

Step 3

Reconnect with yourself and start living a life that satisfies you. You will walk away from our time together with the skills you need to feel grounded in your authentic self and better able to manage whatever life brings your way.