Kiana Sams, Master’s Candidate, Intern

“Healing is not becoming the ‘best version’ of yourself. Healing is letting the ‘worst version’ of yourself be loved. Healing is saying: ‘Every single version of me deserves love, deserves tenderness, deserves grace.’ When we get to a place where we can see and empathize with every version of ourselves – even the version of ourselves that we can sometimes be ashamed of – that’s when we know that we are walking in a path of healing”

Kobe Campbell, LMHC

Treatment Focus

  • Children
  • Teens
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Trauma
  • ADHD
  • Military + Veterans
  • LGBTQ+

About The Clinician

Kiana is an unwaveringly dedicated student on her academic journey, currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the prestigious institution of William & Mary. Her focus, centered on Military and Veteran populations, is not just an academic pursuit but a calling that she has passionately followed for over seven years in a professional capacity.

Within the hallowed halls of William & Mary, Kiana is crafting the foundation of a counselor who embodies cultural competence and an unwavering commitment to empowering others on their self-discovery journey. Her toolkit includes self-awareness, mindfulness, and an unquenchable thirst for enacting meaningful change in the lives of those she serves.

Kiana’s academic pursuits align seamlessly with her aspiration to become a skilled clinician. Her current role in the Washington Area Clinical Center, where she is engaged in an internship, is her laboratory for practical application. Here, she transforms theoretical knowledge into real-world therapeutic interventions, finely honing her counseling skills and progressively enhancing her expertise.

Before embarking on her path as a therapist, Kiana’s journey led her to the realm of business development and sponsorship within the Marine Corps. Here, her interaction with diverse populations, particularly the wounded, ill, and injured, illuminated the gaps in mental health services. As a member of a military family herself, these gaps became not just challenges but opportunities to bridge essential needs, not only for service members but for her entire community.

Kiana’s interests extend beyond traditional counseling modalities. She delves into holistic healing, laughter yoga, reiki, and various alternative forms of wellness. Her ambition is inclusive, aiming to serve all age groups, from childhood to late adulthood. Her vision is to become a trauma-informed counselor, adept at addressing the unique needs of military and veterans, law enforcement, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Kiana’s journey is marked by unique perspectives and experiences that have uniquely equipped her to assist clients in reaching their personal goals. She is a beacon guiding them to explore the depths of themselves and to transcend their limits, fostering growth, resilience, and self-discovery beyond measure.

Credentials 

B. A. Communication Studies

M. A. Global Strategic Communication

M. Ed. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Military & Veterans concentration (Expected May 2024)

Approach

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Ready to get Started?
Call us at 301-701-6965 for a short chat with our Client Care Coordinator, who is available weekdays during our normal office hours. You can also fill out the New Patient Registration Form to be on your way to schedule and complete an initial assessment.