MENUSam Renner, LMHC
Sam Renner Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
Beginning therapy is one of the most courageous decisions a person can make. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, healing from painful experiences, seeking greater clarity, or simply longing to understand yourself more deeply, I’m glad you’re here. I believe that every person’s story deserves to be met with curiosity, compassion, and respect. My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, accepted, and without judgment or pressure to be anyone other than yourself.
At the heart of my work, is the belief that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in meaningful change. I don’t believe therapy is something that is done to you; rather, it is something we build together. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, insight, and support as we navigate your unique journey together.
I also believe that lasting change rarely happens overnight. The patterns, beliefs, and ways of relating that shape our lives have often developed over many years, and meaningful growth deserves the same patience and care. Rather than rushing toward quick fixes, I value taking thoughtful, intentional steps that create sustainable change. Therapy is a process of building trust—not only between therapist and client, but also within yourself. As our work unfolds, we create a foundation that allows deeper healing, greater self-awareness, and lasting transformation to emerge over time.
My approach is deeply influenced by attachment theory, humanistic psychology, and relational theory. Attachment theory helps us understand how our earliest relationships shape the ways we connect with ourselves and others throughout life. Humanistic theory reminds me to see each person as inherently worthy, capable of growth, and deserving of unconditional positive regard. Relational theory emphasizes that healing often occurs within authentic, emotionally attuned relationships. Together, these perspectives guide me in creating a therapeutic experience that is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Above all, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can exhale. A place where you don’t have to carry everything alone. Whether we are exploring long-standing patterns, navigating life’s challenges, strengthening relationships, or discovering new ways of living with intention, I am committed to meeting you with warmth, honesty, and genuine care. It is a privilege to be invited into people’s stories, and I look forward to the opportunity to walk alongside you as you move toward healing, resilience, and a life that feels more fully your own.
As a Spokane native, I feel deeply connected to this community and am honored to serve the people who call it home. I earned my Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Eastern Washington University, where I developed the clinical foundation that continues to guide my work today. I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Leadership Studies with the goal of expanding access to quality mental health care throughout the Spokane community. Outside of the therapy office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, tending to my garden, and paddle boarding whenever I have the chance. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you as you write the next chapter of your story.
Specialties and Areas of Focus
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief/loss
- Trauma
- Self-esteem
- Pre-Marital
- IFS
- Perimenopause
- Adults
- Teens
- Children
- LGBTQI+
- Substance Use Recovery
- Values Exploration
Q&A
Q. Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
I am somewhere in the middle. I will assist with immediate strategies to build foundational coping strategies in preparation for deeper work. Once a solid foundation is established I will guide you in exploring deeper patterns and experiences to aid you in moving forward with your life.
Q. Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I will follow your lead and give feedback along the way. I have found that letting clients determine the direction of sessions and therapy leads to greater achievement of sustained change and increased confidence.
Q.What are your strengths as a therapist?
My strengths as a therapist are creating genuine connection, listening to understand, and assisting clients to find their own voice. I will show up for you consistently and provide a space of authenticity in order for you to find greater clarity in your life.
Q. If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would love to be able to fly. Having the freedom to travel in such an unrestricted way would create a world of endless possibilities.
Q. What makes you laugh?
I find children to be inherently hilarious. You can never predict what they will say and some of the funniest things I have heard are out of the mouths of children.
Q. Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
I would love to have dinner with Viktor Frankl because of his work related to finding meaning in life. His ideas were tested under unimaginable circumstances and still he found that people can still find meaning in life despite suffering.
