“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”
— Peter Levine

Samantha Farid LCSW, LCADC

Being a therapist is a privilege and I’m so grateful I get to to this work.

With that being said:

  • I am not the therapist for everyone and I don’t subscribe to “blank slate therapy”.

  • I have ADHD and it’s pretty spicy from time to time.

  • I was a client of EMDR before I got trained.

  • I think laughter is an important part of therapy and I curse sometimes.

  • I never learned to ride a bike.

  • I take my pens and socks incredibly seriously and you won’t catch me with less than a pilot G7 .5 and le bon campus socks.

  • I often think about what all the teachers that put “talks too much” on my report cards would think about it now.

  • I don’t know who decided that being nonchalant about everything was cool, but I am chalant, and I think caring about things it cool.

hate talking? cool, let’s just EMDR that sh*t - it’s typically faster and more effective than talking in circles anyway.

My mini fridge, coffee bar, and snack tray stay stocked. Therapy is hard and I’m kind of annoying about it so it’s the least I could do.

EMDR is like the moldavite of therapy modalities & if that sounds exciting to you, same. If that sounds terrifying to you - also same.

My Approach

Authenticity & Honesty

I’m direct because I want you to feel better and part of that is addressing the core of what’s really going on. I don’t ask my clients to use techniques I haven’t used myself either personally or in a clinical training. Therapy should be human.

Flexibility & Neurodiversity Affirming

There is innate shame in feeling “different” or “defective” for not relating to others in the way that we feel we “should”. I strive to help offer some of the science of neurodiversity, why I think it’s actually a super power when understood, and how to lean in and create healthy beliefs. I have ADHD myself and know the struggle of having to function in a neuro-typical world.

Collaboration & Structure

I am straight forward and I will explain the options, pros & cons of each, and together we decide what makes the most sense for you. I have no desire to push an agenda.

Science & Soul

The nature of trauma can create shame and secrecy surrounding mental health, especially in behavioral addictions. I explain the science because it helps demonstrate that you’re not broken. Your brain is doing what it knows to survive.

There is power in showing up authentically and allowing another person to witness who you are. Shame can only exist in the dark - human connection is the light.

Support & Validation

I know I did a lot of talking about how I don’t take BS and am not afraid to be direct, but the flip side to that is I won’t make excuses for the people who hurt you, even when you start to.

Trust & Expectations

Trusting the process (and on some level me as the therapist) and feeling comfortable in the process is imperative. Feeling uncomfortable can actually be a barrier in the deeper work of EMDR. It’s important to manage expectations. I would much rather you realize in a 3 hour session that I’m not the best fit rather than after you’ve made the investment in a 3 day intensive. I’m happy to tap into my network to help you find a therapist that’s a better fit.

What’s the vibe….

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and schedule a consultation.

Meet Benny

Benny’s birthday is 10/28/25 and he’s a chihuahua / blue heeler mix and we survived teething, twice.

He was adopted in 2026 from a rescue in Texas at 8 weeks old.

He’s currently in training to be a service dog so that he can come to the office, but he’s very excited all the time so it might be a minute.

Education & Advanced Training

Education

BA Psychology - Seton Hall University

MSW - Rutgers University

License & Certification

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - NJ - #44SC05966600

Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor - NJ - #37LC00295000

Advanced Training

DeTUR: Urge Reduction Protocol for Addictions and Dysfunctional Behaviors – The Accelerated Adaptive Information Processing Model - Arnold “AJ” Popky PhD.

The FLASH Technique - Dr. Philip Manfield PhD.

The Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP) Dr. Robert Miller PhD.

Somatic and Attachment-Focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR Refresher - Deborah Kennard MS, LLP, - Personal Transformation Institute

EMDR Therapy Protocols for Early Intervention & Ongoing Traumatic Stress-Ignacio Jarero, PhD, EdD.

The Soul of Disassociation - Amy Wagner LMFT, LMHC.

EMDR Intensive Training - Scaling Up

Transforming Trauma Care: Mastering Intensives for Complex Cases - Personal Transformation Institute

Professional Affiliations

EMDRIA - Member

New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Work - Board Member

Experience

  • Crisis Response for Behavioral Health

  • Specialty Group Home for Youth in Foster Care

  • Inpatient Substance Use Facility

  • Intensive Outpatient Programs

  • Hospital Partial Hospitalization / Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Traditional Outpatient