Samantha Bennahum

I specialize in working with people who have received a life changing diagnosis. Depression and anxiety surrounding infertility, chronic illness, and aging are among the challenges many of my clients seek to overcome in therapy. The impact that a life-changing diagnosis can have on individuals and their families can be profound. It can feel like a betrayal when our bodies don’t allow us to live our lives the way we expect, impacting our relationships, careers, and hopes. How can we move forward in life when it feels like our bodies are holding us back? How do we grieve our hopes and dreams while trying to fully understand how they are affected by our new circumstances? How do we do all of this while trying to navigate a medical system that often leaves us feeling unheard and unseen?

I initially developed my expertise working with people requiring organ transplants. Dealing with my own fertility challenges brought an even greater sense of empathy and compassion to my clinical work. Behind the anger and isolation are the natural questions, such as “why me?”, “how can I live like this?”, “will I ever feel happy or peaceful?” These questions can force us to reimagine our futures and to consider all that is possible.

I provide a compassionate and safe space to grieve the losses free of judgment or assumptions. We can start to reimagine your present and future, explore new possibilities and new ways to find connection with yourself and others, and help you to develop a renewed sense of self. I provide a safe, empathic, non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their concerns while being responsive to each person’s unique needs.

I hold a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University and completed post-graduate training programs in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Palliative Care, Substance Use, Group Therapy, and a Certified Fertility Mental Health provider. Prior to starting a private practice, I worked for over 10 years at a major New York City hospital, primarily with patients struggling with chronic and life limiting illnesses.