Meet Samantha Samarelli | Owner & Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Samarelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up in a business-oriented family in Seaside Heights, NJ, where my relatives were deeply rooted in the boardwalk industry. Entrepreneurship was woven into our everyday lives, and I naturally inherited that drive. Though I chose a different career path, I bring that same entrepreneurial spirit and mindset into the field of Mental Health.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in Seaside Heights, NJ, a small town where most people’s first job was on the boardwalk. Mine began at 14, scooping ice cream at Kohr’s, where I worked for four years before moving on to badge checking at a private beach. From those early jobs to later work in nonprofits, I learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Those experiences shaped who I am today—I was always the one people turned to when they needed someone to talk to or someone to help solve a problem.
When I told my mom I wanted to pursue therapy instead of continuing our family’s legacy in the boardwalk business, she was surprised—but fully supportive. At 15, she enrolled me in Harvard University’s summer program in Psychology and Neuroscience, an experience that deepened my passion. By 22, I had earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Florida and was ready to bring my vision to life.
That vision became Empowerment Solutions Therapy (EST). The name was intentional: I wanted an abbreviation that stood out in search engines while carrying deeper meaning. Empowerment reflects my belief that every client should feel strengthened in their mental health journey. Solutions highlights my therapeutic approach, rooted in solution-focused practices and the belief that every problem has a path forward. And Therapy—because at its core, that’s what we do: create change one conversation at a time. My slogan, “One Talk at a Time,” reflects the idea that healing is a process, and progress comes step by step. I specialize in supporting clients of all ages who may be on the spectrum, navigating life transitions, or experiencing depression, anxiety, and related challenges.
Building my practice wasn’t easy—the branding, networking, and marketing all came with challenges. But I’ve always believed that if something comes too easily, it isn’t meant for me. The obstacles I’ve faced have only strengthened my determination. Today, I’m proud that my practice has already helped many people and continues to grow. What excites me most is knowing that every client who walks through my doors leaves a little more empowered than when they arrived. That is the heart of my work—and the core of my brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d plan a week centered on relaxation, shopping, and great food. We’d start with a nice dinner at Lemongrass, spend an afternoon exploring the Frost Museum, browse the shops and stroll along Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, and wander The Ave in Delray Beach for boutiques, art, and dining. It would be the perfect blend of unwinding while discovering local gems.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of the people closest to me. My mom has been one of my greatest sources of encouragement—she stood by me when I chose to step away from our family’s boardwalk business and follow my passion for mental health. She supported me as I took on extra courses, training, and ultimately completed two degrees to reach where I am today. I also want to acknowledge my therapist, someone I deeply admire, who guided me through healing with compassion and acceptance, helping me learn to process without judgment, shame, or guilt. I honor my father as well, who instilled in me courage and resilience. Though he passed away due to mental health struggles, his experience gave me a profound understanding not only of those who suffer, but also of the families who love and support them—and who, too, often need care and compassion.
Finally, I could not have built Empowerment Solutions Therapy without the support of my significant other. From the very beginning, he believed in me—often more than I believed in myself. He was the person I could talk everything through with, the one I bounced ideas off, and the steady partner by my side through the entire process. Together, we created the design, took photos, and built the advertising that helped bring my vision to life. His confidence in me gave me the courage to take the leap into private practice, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Website: https://empowermentsolutionstherapy.com

Instagram: samsam_est_letstalk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-samarelli

Image Credits
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