Samantha Griffitts is a therapist, writer and artist. Her therapy practice is focused on the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She has training in Exposure and Response Prevention through NOCD. In addition to evidence-based treatment of OCD, Griffitts also provides therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Separation Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She was featured on Louisville, Kentucky's NBC affiliate, WAVE3 News, for her work in treating anxiety related to anaphylactic food allergies and Celiac Disease, and has contributed articles to Edification: Journal of the Society for Christian Psychology, Kentucky Living magazine, and Shelby Life magazine. In addition, Samantha focuses on the treatment of scrupulosity, a subtype of OCD focused on faith and/or morality. Although she works with people of all faiths, her own Christian theological background and training make her particularly equipped to treat scrupulosity occurring within the Christian tradition. She writes about OCD, scrupulosity, and the intersection of theology, art, and psychology, at Almost Appalachian. Samantha is licensed to practice in both Indiana and Kentucky.
Post-Licensure Training
Training in Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), through NOCD, Chicago, Illinois
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard of treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). ERP is an evidence based therapy unlike traditional talk therapy. For more information on ERP, click here.
CBT for Chronic Pain & Medical Conditions, The Beck Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Application of CBT to patients with chronic pain and medical conditions. CBT techniques to mitigate suffering, improve levels of functioning and increase overall quality of life.
Religious OCD/Scrupulosity Advanced Training, The Center for OCD & Anxiety, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of Scrupulosity.
CBT For Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy, Boston, Massachusetts
Training in the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and neuroscience to the treatment body focused repetitive behaviors.
Clean, Count, and Check: A Family Based Approach to OCD, through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
Family accommodation and symptomatology in OCD, as well as application of family systems theory to Exposure and Response Prevention.
You, Me, and OCD, through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
Positive Family Interaction Therapy, Partner Assisted Exposure and Response Prevention, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for OCD, including perinatal OCD, relationship OCD, and scrupulosity.
Understanding Perinatal Mood Disorders, through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
Symptoms, risk factors, therapeutic models of perinatal mood disorders, as well as attachment and trauma.
MFTs and Pediatric Oncology, American through the Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
Specific interventions for patients in a pediatric oncology setting, and collaboration with medical providers across disciplines.
Family Adaptations to Traumatic Brain Injury, through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
Interventions for individuals with traumatic brain injury and/or PTSD, the unique challenges of traumatic brain injury, and beneficial intervention strategies.
Cultural Neuroscience: Child and Adolescent Brain Development, through the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
The interaction between culture and brain development, and how to use this information when working with individuals and families.
Education
Centre College Areas of Study: Psychology and Psychobiology
May, 2009
Centre College is a top 50 national liberal arts college, founded in 1819. For more about Centre College, click here.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Area of Study: Christian Psychology, Theology
May, 2013
Extensive study in the area of Christian psychology, medical ethics, human development, and the theology of personhood.
Therapy Services
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard of treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). ERP is an evidence based therapy unlike traditional talk therapy. For more information on ERP, click here.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The total length of treatment is relatively brief compared to many other forms of psychotherapy. For more information on CBT, click here.
Therapy for Partners and Families of People with Anxiety and/or OCD
In conjunction with ERP and CBT, which usually take place in sessions with individuals, therapy support is also available for partners and families of those who struggle with anxiety and OCD. For more information on OCD and family interactions, click here.
Therapy for Spiritual/Religious Struggles
Whether you are seeking counsel for spiritual struggles alone, or your spiritual life is affected by anxiety and/or OCD, therapy for spiritual/religious struggles is available. For more information on the interaction between OCD and spirituality/religion, click here.
Professional Associations
The International OCD Foundation
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America
The Institute for Christian Psychology
The American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
Testimonials
"Samantha has been incredibly helpful to me over the past 2 years. She has helped me move from feeling controlled by OCD to empowered and accepting of OCD. This has translated to overall lower stress levels in all areas of life and a greater enjoyment of the blessings God has given me. She is compassionate, kind, and honest while also challenging and guiding me toward growth. I am extremely grateful for how she has helped me and would highly recommend her!"
"Doing exposure response prevention for OCD has changed my life. I’m so thankful for Samantha Griffitts and the positive impact she has had on my mental health."
"Understanding, helpful, supportive, and challenging."
"Samantha is kind, knowledgeable, and always insightful to help me. She tailors her treatment plan according to how it would best fit their lifestyle and personality."
"I love Samantha and feel that she really understands and listens to me. Her feedback is always helpful and she has a very kind spirit!"
"I always feel like I have gained something positive from the session each time. She is very insightful and brings out pieces of things with a new outlook."
"Fantastic! It's a blessing to have a fellow believer who understands OCD - the struggle as well as the therapy for it."
"Super beneficial and has helped me live a healthier life."