Meet Sam
Samantha Getha, LCSW (she/her)
Owner & Therapist of Waves of Courage Counseling LLC
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re drowning and need to get out of the same old current, I’m here to help you build your strengths, embrace your authentic self, and navigate towards calmer, more fulfilling waters. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alaska and Virginia, I offer holistic, trauma-informed care that integrates your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Coming from a military family, I understand the unique challenges faced by military families. I’m passionate about serving the military community and those dedicated to serving others, including spouses and anyone connected to someone in the military or frontline work. My clinical focus includes all types of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, anger, relationship issues, personal growth, and work-life balance. I specialize in EMDR, using it as a primary intervention for trauma-focused treatment.
Waves of Professional Growth
My personal experiences, including bartending on a military installation, and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California’s Military and Veterans program, have shaped my career. I’ve worked as a mental health provider on a military installation, inpatient clinical therapist, hospital social worker, family advocacy outreach manager, and domestic abuse victim advocate. These roles have equipped me to support a diverse range of people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, all stages of life, and diverse sexual and gender identities. Leveraging my time at Eielson AFB and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), I now offer 1-1 online therapy sessions in my private practice to adults 18+.
My Approach
I meet my clients where they are, walking alongside them to help navigate and embrace change, find the tools to weather their storm, and start feeling happier and healthier in life. I find analogies useful to understand patterns, events, thoughts, and behaviors in our lives. I won't tell you that everything is going to be okay. I will help you look at your situation in different ways and come face-to-face with issues most people tend to ignore. I believe great therapy is rooted in a holistic view when you’re treated as a whole person. My therapeutic style integrates somatic processing techniques (mind-body connections), a solution-focused approach, and building on strengths– sprinkled with a little humor. I help you evaluate your options, ensure you feel heard, obtain new skills, and make sense of past life events to help gain clarity.
Who am I outside the office? Here are 5 fun facts!
I’m a curious person by nature, which leads me to lots of learning, connecting, and adventures.
Why the name ‘Waves of Courage’?
I grew up by the beaches of North Carolina as a military brat. Embracing change was never easy but the beach was my constant. It was my place of calm and healing. I braved a lot of storms but some of my best memories growing up there were on a sunny, beautiful beach. I find the ocean to be a metaphor for life. My hope is for you to find your own place of peace and healing within.
Main Modality Approaches
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Parts work and attachment-focused integration with EMDR
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Additional Integrations:
- Attachment Theory
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Informed
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Informed
- Structured Sensory Interventions (SITCAP) and Play Therapy techniques
- Motivational Interviewing
- Mindfulness
- Somatic techniques
- Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Education
- Bachelors of Science in Public Health (BSPH) – Kaplan University 2011
- Master in Social Work (MSW) Military & Veterans Social Work program- University of Southern California 2015
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Alaska #131093 and Virginia #0904012394
- EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist since 2022
- Virginia Board-Approved Supervisor since 2023
- YogaFit for Warriors 100hr Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Certification
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