Welcome. My name is Samantha Lankford Houda, LCSW and I am the CEO of CORE Purpose Therapy. CORE stands for Courage, Optimism, Resilience and Empowerment. I graduated from San Diego State University School of Social Work and specialized in Child Welfare, International Social Work and childhood trauma. I am experienced in treating both chronic and acute trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic health conditions and relational challenges. I was the lead therapist in a long term group home setting and provided intensive outpatient services for teens and their families. More recently, I worked in North County Psychiatry Clinic providing mental health intakes, short and long term therapy, crisis intervention and stabilization treatment, facilitated intensive group therapy and the lead in the adolescent program. In my private practice, I offer CBT, DBT, mindfulness, solution focused therapy and EMDR and prolonged exposure. I understand family system challenges, mental health and adverse life events and the strength it takes to heal and the integrity to recover. I enjoy working with a variety of people from all different backgrounds and welcome any inquiries.