Meet Samantha Locke, MA, LMFT, LPC-S, MAC, MBACP (Accred)
Training, Credentials, and Expertise
I am Samantha Locke, MA, LMFT, LPC S, MAC, MBACP (Accred), Founder and Clinical Director of YoungMINDED. I have over 25 years of experience supporting children, teens, young adults, adults, and families through a wide range of mental health and learning-related difficulties, alongside addiction-related risk factors. I also have a particular background from my years of working with military soldiers in supporting male clients of all ages. Especially where there is emotional dysregulation, relationship strain, or co-occurring mental health and substance use risk.
My professional training began with earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1996, followed by earning my Master’s degree in Counselling from Louisiana Tech University in 1999. After completing my Master’s, I undertook several years of supervised postgraduate training as an intern, building my clinical experience while meeting the requirements to practice independently in the USA. This pathway led to my licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC). I later earned my endorsement as a Clinical Supervisor (LPC-S). I also hold the Masters Addictions Counsellor (MAC) certification. After moving to the UK in 2021, I completed the requirements to become an Accredited Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP (Accred)).
What Working With Me Looks Like
Therapy with me is collaborative and goal-focused. From the start, we work on practical coping skills you can use straight away, while also making sense of what is happening in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Confidentiality is a core priority, so clients have a safe space to speak openly, while I also follow professional safeguarding guidelines when there are significant safety concerns. Many clients work with me for around 10 to 15 sessions, though this can be shorter or longer depending on what you need and what you are hoping to change.
I work most often with teens and young adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or under pressure to hold it all together. Common themes include anxiety, low mood, family conflict, low self esteem, academic stress, and life transitions, as well as support around ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and school accommodations.
Over the past twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with teenagers and young adults, and it’s given me real insight into the challenges that can hold people back at different stages. When you come to me, I’ll help you spot what’s making you feel stuck, and together we’ll find practical ways to move forward. My experience means I can quickly recognise patterns and help you break through barriers, making change feel less daunting and much more doable in your daily life. Whether you’re navigating questions about who you are, dealing with grief or loss, or working through trauma, I’ll tailor our sessions to suit your unique strengths, stage of life and circumstances. My developmental expertise means I can help clients of all ages better understand and overcome the obstacles they face, offering guidance that’s sensitive to where they are in life and what they need to thrive. My approach is grounded in genuine care and understanding, with the aim of helping you build a happier and healthier life that feels truly within your reach.
Skills, Insight, and Real-World Change
My integrative approach draws from evidence-based modalities including CBT, solution-focused techniques, EMDR, DBT, REBT, family systems therapy, motivational interviewing, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based practices. With men and families, this often focuses on emotional regulation, attachment patterns, anger management, relationship repair, and healthier coping strategies. I also have extensive experience supporting soldiers and their families in Europe through deployments and the ripple effects this can have on home life, connection, and wellbeing.
YoungMINDED offers online sessions across the UK and Ireland, with in-person options where available. If you are reaching out through a directory, the simplest next step is to contact us and share what you are looking for, then we will advise on fit, availability, and the best way to begin. You can email info@youngminded.co.uk or send a WhatsApp message to +44 7592 291220 (WhatsApp messages only), Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.