Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Samuel
Hi Danielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in the Caribbean, where I was raised between Grenada and St. Lucia before immigrating to California in my late teens to pursue higher education. From a young age, I felt deeply connected to the experiences of others—I was the kind of child who dealt with big emotions, wrote moody poetry in their diary, and challenged the status quo (sometimes to the dismay of school administrators and family). Yet, coming out as bisexual while living in the Caribbean strengthened my resilience and made me more inclined towards social justice.
My personal journey, along with my love for learning and helping others carried me through multiple degrees, culminating in my doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy. Over the past almost decade, I’ve worked in school settings, community mental health, and private practice. My career began at a nonprofit organization serving victims of crimes as a Sexual Assault Advocate before later stepping into the role of Associate Director. I have also worked as a Family Therapist in a residential treatment center for adolescents, supporting young people navigating significant mental health challenges.
Beyond direct clinical work, I’ve contributed to the field through research and advocacy. My doctoral dissertation focused on Black women’s experiences of healing from sexual trauma, and I have published and presented on topics such as racial trauma, gender-based violence, and systemic inequities in mental health care. During the recent racial unrest, I facilitated mental health support for organizations and subsequently, served on DEI committees to improve workplace inclusivity. Currently, as an Assistant Professor, I am committed to shaping the next generation of therapists.
At the start of 2025, I launched Joy and Liberation Therapy—a private practice dedicated to the well-being of individuals, couples, and families with a focus on BIPOC and Queer communities. Joy and Liberation also provide consultation and training, helping organizations create more inclusive and affirming spaces.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—but I wouldn’t trade the challenges, as they have shaped who I am today and led me to my purpose. Moving to the U.S. brought unexpected culture shock. I went from being part of the racial majority in the Caribbean to navigating life as a Black immigrant in America, where I became more aware of racism and microaggressions. To add, starting college at the young age of 16 heightened my imposter syndrome and made me vulnerable to unhealthy relationships. However, this all deepened my commitment to working with communities of color, Black women, queer folks, and survivors of sexual trauma.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The idea to name my practice Joy and Liberation Therapy was inspired by Black artists, like Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, and Bob Marley, who spoke about the power and freedom that comes from reclaiming joy, wellness, and community. As such, what sets this practice apart is that it is rooted in culturally-responsive, queer-affirming, and trauma-informed care.
Joy and Liberation Therapy offers an array of services to meet persons where they are at including individual therapy, couples and family therapy, and group therapy. Counseling is personalized to fit the needs of the person/s and can include evidenced-based treatments including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Services are available via telehealth across California or in-person in South Pasadena for those seeking face-to-face sessions.
With a focus on BIPOC and queer communities, many of my clients come to me seeking to learn coping skills, process trauma, unpack intergenerational patterns, strengthen their romantic and familial relationships, or simply find a space where they can exist without judgment.
More than just a therapy practice, Joy and Liberation Therapy provides consultation and training for organizations and media looking for insight into mental health issues and improving inclusive practices.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As a professor and a therapist, I teach my students and clients to strike a balance between comfort and risk-taking, both have their merits. When I think specifically about risk-taking, my mother’s words come to mind, “The worst that can happen is they say no… but what if they say yes?”.
I have lived by this motto and it has reaped so many rewards and rejections in my personal and professional life. Yet, the way I look at it is, I am never left wondering what if. In the past, I have applied for and been in job positions that I didn’t feel fully ready for, but I landed them and grew from them. This kind of bold move is exactly what has enabled me to hold leadership positions, speak at conferences, receive professional accolades, open a private practice, and on a personal level, meet and fall in love with my wife.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy $195
- Couples/Family Therapy $225
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joyandliberationtherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaniellesamuel?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
