Sam Rabang

Sam Rabang, MA, LPCC

sam.rabang@affinitypsych.com

Hi! My name is Sam.

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Music at Luther College and my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas.

I enjoy working with adolescents (14+), young adults, and adults. Some of my specialties include working with clients with depression, anxiety, difficulties with emotional regulation, and life transitions. My therapeutic style is a mix of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), client-centered, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

How I Work

A typical session with me includes checking in about any notable wins from the previous week and processing setbacks or difficulties. Then, it’s up to you if we process the emotions you felt and dive deeper into that experience or if we discuss coping skills and mechanisms that would be helpful for you to try.

I take a client-centered approach to therapy to meet you where you are. Whether you’re at rock bottom or soaring to new heights, I will be there to support you and help you reach your full potential. I also integrate CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) skills to help you better understand your thought processes and emotions.

I can validate the difficult experiences you have been through and try to help you notice things you may not be aware of. I can provide direction if you are feeling lost in therapy, or I can let you lead where the session will go.

What Sets Me Apart As a Therapist?

Just as I encourage my clients to show up as their true selves, I also strive to be real and genuine with you. I might swear, hold space for your emotions, break down the juiciest gossip, or tell you the hard truth. I love incorporating humor and jokes into sessions and talking about current trends and memes.

In my free time, you can find me solving Wordle and Sudoku every morning, reading, playing the clarinet, and spending time with my husband and two cats.

Issues I Treat:

  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Depression
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Perfectionism
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harm
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Anger Issues
  • CBT
  • DBT
  • ACT

Populations I Serve:

  • Adults
  • Students
  • Teens
  • Young Adults

Professional background:

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts: Luther College- Decorah, IA
  • Master of Arts: University of St. Thomas- Minneapolis, MN

Trainings

  • DBT
  • CBT
  • Board-approved supervision

Previous Employment

  • Mental Health Systems

Licensure

  • MN, LPCC #cc03541