Samantha Shown, MA, LCMHCA
Telehealth Therapist in North Carolina
Samantha Shown
(She/They)
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate
Hi, I'm Sam!
Licensed Therapist & Founder of Still Ground Counseling
I'm a therapist, cat mom, military spouse, and someone living with chronic illness and AuDHD. My life hasn't followed a straight path, and I don't expect yours has either.
Over the years, I've learned what it means to live with changing capacities, navigate unpredictable health, and let go of the idea that there's one "right" way to move through life. I know what it's like to look like you're holding it all together but withering on the inside.
Those experiences have shaped both who I am and the therapist I've become. They remind me to stay curious, move at your pace, and never assume I know your experience simply because parts of our stories may overlap.
Your story is your own, and my role isn't to tell you who you are—it's to help you better understand yourself.
Outside of Therapy
Outside of therapy, you'll usually find me at the aerial studio (when my body cooperates), in the garden, baking sourdough, or out with my camera. All of the photos on this website were taken by either me or my husband.
Creativity helps keep me grounded and reminds me to slow down. Whether I'm baking, gardening, hanging upside down, or taking photos, I love making space for the things that bring me joy.
And, of course, no introduction to my life would be complete without mentioning our two cats, Milton and Marty. They occasionally make guest appearances during telehealth sessions. Fortunately, they're excellent at maintaining confidentiality.
Why
"Still Ground"
I chose the name Still Ground because life isn't always steady. Chronic illness, neurodivergence, and major life changes have taught me that we can't always control what's happening around us.
The lotus in my logo reminds me that life doesn't have to be perfect for growth to happen. That feels especially true when you're living with chronic illness, neurodivergence, or anything else that asks you to continually adjust to the unexpected.
The empty chair is a nod to Gestalt therapy, one of the approaches that has most shaped my work. To me, it represents curiosity, presence, and making space for the parts of ourselves or our stories that still need our attention.
