Samantha Rose Mcnamara LLMSW

Social Worker | Clinical

625 Kenmoor Avenue 301 Grand Rapids MI, 49546 Show map

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About

Samantha Rose Dehring (McNamara) completed her training and certification from The Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute’s Advanced Adult Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program, holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, earned certification in Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling and served as First Lieutenant Behavioral Health Science Officer in the U.S. Army’s Medical Detachment.

She has an eclectic arsenal of work experience and expertise from Henry Ford Hospital’s psych ward, an outpatient methadone maintenance clinic; a residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient and transitional housing drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment center and has treated patients through various telemental health platforms, including MDLive.

Her strength and highest degree and level of specialization is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, an extraordinarily versatile type of therapy, which includes elements of a multitude of approaches, and of those, gradually creates a combination which fits a patient’s developmental and emotional needs and challenges best.

Having participated in her own rigorous psychotherapy as a part of her advanced training, she possesses an intimate understanding of the patient experience. It can be fun, illuminating, challenging, thought-provoking, intense and a profoundly life-altering experience if done correctly.

She aims to help others expand their own self-understanding. The more you know yourself, the better equipped you will be to effect meaningful and lasting change in your life.

Education and Training

Wayne State University LCMSW 2014

Michigan Psychoanalytic Inst. Adv. Trng. Psychodynamic 2016

Provider Details

Female English

Samantha Rose Mcnamara LLMSW

Samantha Rose Mcnamara LLMSW's Expert Contributions

My Answers

My friend doesn't take care of her mother. Is this elder abuse?
Thank you for bringing up such a sensitive, and important concern. Alzheimer’s profoundly affects not only the diagnosed, but the entire family system, and it’s quite natural to feel distressed when witnessing what seems to be neglect or a lack of appropriate care; however, before assigning a label like elder abuse, it’s essential to take a compassionate and nuanced view of the situation. Elder abuse, by definition, involves the mistreatment or neglect of an older person, often by someone in a position of trust. Yet, what may sometimes appear as neglect can stem from overwhelming stress, burnout or feelings of helplessness caregivers often experience when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Caregiving is deeply emotionally and physically draining and it's not uncommon for family dynamics to shift in ways that might seem imbalanced or unhealthy. Your friend’s apparent detachment or lack of involvement may be a sign she's struggling to cope with the severity of her mother's illness. This type of emotional withdrawal can sometimes be a defense mechanism, a way to protect oneself from feelings of grief or loss, especially when seeing a loved one decline--a form of anticipatory grief. That said, if the situation results in the mother’s needs going unmet—such as a lack of nourishment, hydration, medical care, hygiene or safety—it may indeed constitute neglect. Elder abuse is not always intentional, but that doesn't make it any less detrimental or the consequences less devastating. Perhaps it may be worth bringing up your concerns with your friend through an open, honest and compassionate conversation, acknowledging the challenges of caregiving while gently expressing your concerns about her mother's care. You may also want to suggest exploring additional support, such as professional caregivers or respite care to ensure her mother’s needs are being met while alleviating some of the burden on the family. If you continue to have concerns her mother’s health or safety is at risk, you may need to consider involving professionals, such as a social worker or elder care specialist, to assess the situation and provide guidance. Thank you for your caring consideration. Approaching the situation with empathy and understanding can carve out a space for a (hopefully) more supportive and compassionate resolution. READ MORE
How can I help my child cope with my divorce?
While I don’t yet know the specifics of your case, I can offer some general guidance that may be helpful as you navigate this challenging time. Divorce, especially when it becomes complicated, can have a profound impact on everyone involved—particularly children. It's understandable that your son is struggling to cope with the changes, and he may not yet have the words to express what he’s feeling. One of the most important things you can do is to provide a safe, supportive space for him, especially when he's reluctant or unable to verbalize his emotions. Children often express distress through shifts in behavior, mood, or even withdrawal, rather than through words. It’s essential to respect his pace and give him the time he needs to process what’s happening. Healing, after all, is a process that unfolds gradually and cannot be rushed. Maintaining consistency, showing understanding, and offering reassurance will help foster a sense of security for him amidst this uncertainty. When a family’s dynamic is disrupted, it's natural for children to react with confusion or distress. This is where patience, combined with gentle encouragement, can make a difference. You can support your son by validating his emotions and letting him know it’s okay to feel upset, confused, or even angry. It might also be helpful to offer alternative outlets for expression, such as drawing, playing, or engaging in physical activities—ways for him to channel and release the emotional energy that words alone might not convey. Given the sensitivity of this situation, it may also be valuable to seek the support of a child therapist, depending on your son’s age. Therapy can provide him with a neutral, supportive environment to process his emotions. You might also consider your own therapeutic support during this time to navigate the complexities you're facing as a parent. Both you and your son deserve care as you move through this transition. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

AnxietyAddictionsAngerAttachment DisordersMaladaptive CommunicationRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemSuicidal IdeationMood DisordersDepressionEmotional RegulationGrief and LossGuilt and ShameObsessive Compulsive DisorderPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Personality DisordersStressAdjustment DisordersSpiritualityDysfunctional Family Dynamics