Raised in southern California and living in Los Angeles for many years, Sam Cohen Paz (he/him) enjoys and appreciates the rhythm of life in the city, with its multifaceted and diverse population, cuisine, beaches, unique neighborhoods, events, festivals, and sense of community. 

Sam has a multilayered educational history which includes a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from the University of California at Los Angeles (U.C.LA.), a law degree (J.D.) from Pacific West College of Law, and a master’s degree (M.A.) in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and Depth Psychology (Analytical Psychology), from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California.

Sam enjoyed working with many different clients during graduate school, during his clinical practicum experience, and beyond, particularly enjoying the work with the LGBTQIA+ community. After working with a diverse clientele that included those who experienced reproductive trauma, as well as those who needed assisted reproductive technology to expand their families, Sam became passionate about the reproductive mental health field, and has supported others in the IVF/surrogacy process to build their families, working in the field for several years now. 

Sam thoroughly enjoys his work with intended parents, supporting individuals and couples as they navigate the emotional and relational complexities of family-building, whether through assisted reproduction technology, IVF or IUI, surrogacy, or adoption. These paths can bring up a wide range of emotions, and Sam is here to help you feel grounded and supported throughout the process. He strives to co-create a space where you feel seen, safe, and empowered to explore the questions and challenges that matter most to you. 

In his spare time, Sam is a major foodie, who loves trying new restaurants in the city, loves listening and playing music, and is a fan of comedy. He wrote his master’s thesis on the use of humor in gay-affirmative therapy, titled: “Finding Healing Through Humor: The Importance of Humor in Gay-Affirmative Psychotherapy.” He believes in the power of the therapeutic space when it is co-created, accepting, non-judgmental, and safe.