Sam Barr

My Story

As a therapist, I’m deeply committed to helping people navigate life’s transitions, relationships, and inner struggles with greater clarity and compassion. My approach is grounded in acceptance work and trauma-informed care, where the focus is not on erasing difficult emotions but on learning how to live meaningfully alongside them. I believe growth comes from turning toward what matters most — even when it feels uncomfortable — and building a life guided by authenticity, connection, and values-based action.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Appalachian State University in 2014, followed by my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2023. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Engrained with a deep-rooted sense of altruism from a young age, my goal in life has always been to help other people and to reduce suffering in the world to the greatest extent possible. Clients who work with me often describe me as thoughtful, collaborative, and direct in a caring way. I aim to create a space that balances depth with practicality — a place where you can process complex emotions, explore identity and purpose, and also learn concrete skills to shift your relationship to anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, self-doubt, among others. Whether we’re addressing patterns of overfunctioning, perfectionism, or emotional avoidance, I work to help clients build flexibility and self-understanding so they can move toward what truly matters.

As a person, I value curiosity, humor, and presence. I see therapy as a collaboration — one that invites honesty, experimentation, and compassion for the parts of ourselves that are still learning. My goal is to help you feel more grounded in your sense of self and capable of responding to life with openness, steadiness, and courage.

When I am not working, I love to spend time with my wife and animals (one happy puppy and one often-mad 14-year-old cat). In 2018, I completed my life-long goal of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. I love disc golf, cooking vegan versions of my favorite comfort foods, reading science fiction and fantasy novels, and doing other kind/slow activities for my nervous system (deep breathing, stretching, drinking warm tea, etc.).

I specialize in:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Adjustment

• Life transition

• Panic