About Samara

Samara Prystowsky is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who specializes in trauma, attachment work, and deep emotional healing through a mind-body and expressive arts lens. She works with adults navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges, with a strong focus on helping clients process experiences that feel stuck in both the mind and body.

She has a particular passion for supporting women ages 25–55, including those experiencing relational trauma, parenting transitions, menopause-related shifts, and the emotional complexity of being part of the “sandwich generation.” Samara also enjoys working with postpartum individuals, LGBTQIA+ clients, and older adults.

Her approach is deeply relational, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection, safety, and being fully seen.

Training & Credentials

• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

• Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University (Mental Health focus)

• Bachelor of Arts, Dance Performance & Arts Integration with Psychology, Humboldt State University

• EMDR-trained therapist with a focus in Expressive Arts (Institute for Creative Mindfulness)

• Advanced EMDR training (Certification) in progress

• Advanced training in EMDR with Expressive Arts (Institute for Creative Mindfulness)

• IFS (Internal Family Systems) training (PESI, The IFS Institute via The Circle)

• DBT trained

• Currently completing Expressive Arts Therapy certification

• Experience across private practice, hospitals/medical settings, and community mental health

Approach

Samara’s approach is integrative, experiential, and trauma-informed, combining EMDR, expressive arts, parts work (IFS-informed), DBT, somatic and acceptance-based therapies, and select CBT/Solution-Focused tools.

She views therapy as a collaborative process where both client and therapist walk side by side. She brings her training, tools, and clinical knowledge, turning to the client as the expert in their goals, needs and values.

What to Expect

In the first session, Samara focuses on creating a conversational, relaxed space where you can begin to share your story and get to know her in return.

Clients are invited to ask questions at any point, and early sessions also explore what “healing” would look like in your life as a flexible vision of what you want more of.

Therapy moves at your pace, with attention to safety, trust, and emotional readiness.

A Bit Outside the Office

Outside of therapy, Samara enjoys dance, yoga, performing arts, time in nature, and connecting with her family and dog. She values creativity, movement, and grounding practices as part of her own well-being.

A Note from Samara

Samara believes that even considering therapy is already a meaningful step toward healing.

She sees therapy as a space where clients can practice courage safely — including being honest about what does or doesn’t feel helpful. She holds a strong commitment to supporting clients in finding what truly works for them, even if that means the relationship is temporary or evolves over time.