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About Dr. Munson

 

 

samantha-munson

About Dr. Samantha Munson

Dr. Munson is a licensed psychologist in California (PSY 31513) and Florida (PY 10598). After receiving her B.A. in Psychology, she went on to complete a B.S. Honors in Psychology from the University of Cape Town. Dr. Munson completed a M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the APA-Accredited Program at Washington State University.

Dr. Munson completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of South Florida, where she began training in the evidence-based theory of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). She then completed a post-doctoral residency at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital where her training with evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and ACT, continued.

Years of experience have enabled Dr. Munson to develop strong clinical skills and proficiency treating a variety of mental health disorders, with a special focus on adjustment, anxiety, and health related concerns. Dr. Munson has published research in peer-reviewed journals on aspects of health, including within the area of psychology-oncology. As a consistent practitioner of mindfulness and a certified yoga-teacher, she regularly seeks opportunities that expand her ability to provide scientifically supported mindfulness-based therapies to clients.

Currently, Dr. Munson serves on the board for the Association for Contextual and Behavioral Sciences and is dedicated to providing excellent client care in her private practice.

 

Approach

Dr. Munson is dedicated to providing a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space where meaningful change and growth can occur. She uses an integrative style of evidence-based therapies to help clients achieve their individualized goals. Dr. Munson often uses a health psychology framework and includes a strong foundation in mindfulness-based practices, including self-compassion. CBT and ACT are commonly incorporated into treatment to help clients reach their goals, decrease suffering, and improve relationships and life satisfaction. Dr. Munson strongly believes that our best functioning is a product of caring for the whole person. She therefore emphasizes the importance of movement, nature, community, and strong relationships.

In Therapy, You Can Learn Skills To

  • Manage Stress

  • Be More Mindful

  • Assertively Communicate & Set Boundaries

  • Improve Lifestyle Habits

  • Cope with Medical Illness

  • Improve Interpersonal Relationships

 

Summary

  • • Licensed psychologist in California (PSY 31513) and Florida (PY 10598).

    • Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Washington State University (2018).

    • Post-Doctoral Residency, James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida (2019).

    • M.A., Counseling, Washington State University (2015).

  • Areas of practice include:

    • Adjustment & change related distress

    • Anxiety & life balance

    • Stress & personal growth

    • Chronic illness & health issues

    • Relationship concerns, social anxiety & friendship

    Specialized areas of health psychology include psychology-oncology (psychological sequela of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery) and chronic pain.

    See the services page for more information.

  • A health psychology approach based on evidence-based theories of psychological practice tailored to the individualized needs of each client. Commonly incorporated evidence-based theories include:

    • Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

    • Mindfulness

    • Self-Compassion

    • Positive Psychology