Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sami Lare (LSW)

Chicago

Summary

My experience supporting Chicago's South and West side communities shaped my equity-focused, abolition-centered therapy. I integrate trauma-informed, harm reduction-based, feminist, anti-racist, Narrative Therapeutic, and somatic frameworks. I cultivate authenticity and open-mindedness, weaving humor and intentionality to create a welcoming environment.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Psychotherapist

Emerge Psychology Group
06.2024 - Current

I provide supportive counseling and guidance to queer, trans, polyamorous, trauma survivors, and neurodivergent individuals as they navigate complex identities and relationships. My work focuses on fostering resilience and a sense of belonging, helping clients explore and affirm their queer and trans family identities while addressing challenges such as attachment issues, anxiety, negative self-talk, and grief. Utilizing modalities such as somatic processing, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in deepening self-awareness and healing.

Qualified Mental Health Specialist

Renaissance Social Services
06.2023 - 05.2024

I worked in supporting individuals with mental health challenges, particularly those transitioning out of homelessness. I specialize in case management, housing stability, and crisis intervention, and I worked closely with clients to help them secure and retain stable housing while addressing their mental health and social needs.

Peer Support Specialist Intern

Renaissance Social Services The Living Room
08.2022 - 05.2023

I provided direct, compassionate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises and homelessness, prioritizing harm reduction strategies. I created a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can receive immediate care, stabilization, and connect to critical services. My work focused on improving clients' overall well-being and housing stability, particularly for those with substance use challenges, mental health disorders, and histories of trauma.

Residential Services Intern

The Night Ministry
08.2021 - 05.2022

Organizing and setting up programs for Interim and Parenting with Purpose youth clients. Running mental health groups with the youth. Going to events and discussing that with the youth. Helping provide mental health support for youth.

Education

High School Diploma -

Chester County High School
Henderson
05-2007

Bachelor of Arts - Photography

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
05-2014

Masters of Social Work -

Jane Addams School of Social Work At UIC
Chicago, IL
05-2023

Skills

  • Body Awareness & Mindfulness: Helping clients connect with bodily sensations to process emotions
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Supporting clients in safely releasing trauma stored in the body
  • Somatic Techniques: Using breathwork, grounding, and body movement to regulate the nervous system
  • Resourcing & Nervous System Regulation: Strengthening client resources and teaching self-soothing techniques

Certification

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Timeline

Psychotherapist

Emerge Psychology Group
06.2024 - Current

Qualified Mental Health Specialist

Renaissance Social Services
06.2023 - 05.2024

Peer Support Specialist Intern

Renaissance Social Services The Living Room
08.2022 - 05.2023

Residential Services Intern

The Night Ministry
08.2021 - 05.2022

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

High School Diploma -

Chester County High School

Bachelor of Arts - Photography

Columbia College Chicago

Masters of Social Work -

Jane Addams School of Social Work At UIC
Sami Lare (LSW)