Rum River Counseling Inc.

SAMANTHA J. RIEKS, MS LAMFT., is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She holds a Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Wisconsin Stout. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree (PhD) from the University of Minnesota in the Family Social Science Department with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy and minors in Spirituality and Alternative Healing and Gender and Sexuality Studies. She has several years experience as a counselor in a women's health care setting as well as experience working with individuals, couples, and families in mental health settings. Her special interests include adolescents, mothers & daughters, relationship/ marital difficulties, sexual/intimacy concerns, spiritual issues, grief & loss, trauma, stress management & relaxation techniques, interpersonal communication, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and much more. "I see life's challenges as a combination of physical, psychological, emotional, relational, and spiritual issues. I also believe that with creative and collaborative work, all individuals, families, and communities can lead fuller, happier lives."