Hi, I’m Samantha Barney, CSW-I. My path to becoming a therapist and coach has been full of twists and turns, each one shaping who I am today and how I show up for my clients.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in gender studies from the University of Utah, with every intention of continuing my education immediately. But as life often does, it threw me some curveballs. Instead of graduate school, I found myself stepping into the corporate world, where I excelled and achieved notable success—including the unforgettable experience of ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

For a while, I believed that climbing the corporate ladder was what I wanted. But a traumatic experience shifted everything. I found myself spiraling, trying to cope in ways that weren’t serving me. It was a wake-up call that forced me to confront my own patterns, face the emotional baggage I had long ignored, and begin the hard work of putting myself back together. I had to swallow the tough pill that regardless of what happened to me - I had to take accountability for the choices I was making.

That journey back to myself brought me clarity: my true calling had always been to work in the ‘messy’, vulnerable moments with others. I made the life-changing decision to leave the corporate world and return to school to pursue a master’s degree in social work. It hasn’t been easy—balancing school, work, and family life is a challenge—but it is one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.

Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to learning and growing as a clinician. For the past two years, I’ve been teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups, helping clients build tools for mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I’ve worked in residential treatment facilities for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, gaining invaluable experience in understanding the complexities of addiction and trauma. I’ve also begun the pursuit of training in Internal Family Systems (the waitlist is long ya’ll,) a therapeutic approach that helps individuals heal by exploring and integrating the different parts of themselves.

On a personal note, I’m married to an incredibly supportive partner and am a mom to two amazing kids who keep me grounded and remind me daily of the importance of balance, humor, and flexibility. My own experiences as a parent inform much of my work, especially when it comes to helping others navigate relationships and find their footing amidst life’s chaos.

I believe that healing begins with compassion—both for ourselves and for the parts of us shaped by life’s challenges. My approach to therapy and coaching is holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional dysregulation, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck, I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where you can explore your authentic self and move toward growth.

At Ember Coaching and Consulting, my goal is to help you ignite the change you’re seeking. Together, we’ll uncover the strength, resilience, and potential that’s already within you. Whether through therapy, coaching, or learning practical skills for life’s challenges, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.