About
Samantha Ardoin
As a psychotherapist, I strive to create a space where one can not only become more aware of the present moment but also dare to try new behaviors. This means that therapy with me often moves beyond basic "talk therapy" as we explore our relationship together, and branch out and experiment with movement, mindfulness, and fuller creative expression. The experience is inherently a creative act between client and therapist, and each session is unique to the individual client's needs. I use an approach best described as Transpersonal Gestalt therapy. Though I integrate trauma-informed and client-centered therapy techniques, and am EMDR trained, I operate fundamentally from a Gestalt therapy theoretical foundation and lens. The "transpersonal" label applies to my work because I strive to create space for movement and awareness beyond the ego. I operate on an assumption of multiplicity within the psyche, as well as the possibility of wholeness.
During my time at Naropa University, I engaged in extensive work around reintegrating parts of my identity which had been restrained or denied previously. I strived to apply the theories and practices to my own life outside of Naropa, so that I could understand psychology from a more integrated perspective. I am deeply grateful for how the work in becoming a therapist has influenced me to experience my personal life more fully as well.
I have found that sharing our identities can help others feel more comfortable with being themselves more openly as well. I am bisexual and I experience gender fluidly. You may use she/her, he/him, and they/them pronouns to refer to me when speaking, and they/them when referring to me in writing. I am half Chilean, and half white (primarily Irish and French Canadian).
Since I have been in and out of therapy since age 14, my experience as a psychotherapist is not only influenced by my graduate studies, but also through my own experiences as a client. I am self-diagnosed with Complex PTSD, and professionally diagnosed with ADHD, and while these do create some challenging patterns in my life which I strive to work through and overcome, my ability to cope with these experiences has deepened my capacity for empathy, awareness, and mental as well as relational flexibility, ultimately strengthening my work as a therapist.
Ultimately, I believe that in order to cultivate aliveness, we must embrace our differences and see them as sacred.
Recent Experience & Training
2023
I began working at The Rainbow Circles LLC in Fort Collins, Colorado.
2022
I offered a Grief Support Group at Arvada UMC.
2021
I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling,
I was an intern and then independent contractor at Queer Asterisk, where I worked with LGBTQ+ teens and adults, providing both individual therapy as well as community groups. I facilitated a weekly "Teen Writing Group" as well as the "QTBIPOC Therapy Group." I briefly supported Queer Asterisk's offering of LGBTQ+ affirming groups at Highlands Behavioral Health.
In April 2021, I completed Basic EMDR Training with Trauma Recovery/HAP, completing basic EMDRIA requirements.
I completed an Externship in Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), which is primarily a form of couples therapy.
From 2020 to 2021, I completed three trimesters of Gestalt therapy training with GIR (Gestalt Institute of the Rockies).
2020
I engaged with a therapeutic process group for a year as a group member. The group was virtual due to the pandemic.
2019
I attended AGPA Connect 2019: "Building Bridges of Connection Through Group"
I completed DBT® Facilitator Training through Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute®.
I learned and practiced Dream Tending through mentorship with Sandra Easter.
2018
I began studying at Naropa University.
I began seeing my current therapist, focusing on trauma work and Jungian dream work.
