Welcome!
I’m Neil Sampson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington and Idaho with over 15 years of experience guiding individuals, couples, and families through life’s complexities. My work is rooted in a person-centered approach, creating a compassionate and empowering space for healing, growth, and transformation.
I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University in 2010, following an undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of California, Riverside. My early immersion in the arts instilled a passion for creativity and storytelling, which continues to influence my therapeutic work by helping clients reframe their challenges and rediscover their strengths.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and couples/partnerships, tailoring therapy to each client’s unique needs. My professional experience spans diverse settings—from inpatient hospitals to private practice—allowing me to bring a broad perspective to my work. I am a Level III trained Gottman Method Therapist, employing research-based strategies to help couples heal, reconnect, and thrive. My eclectic approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Counseling, EMDR, and client-first methodologies, with a focus on creating actionable and relevant treatment goals.
As a Certified Sex Therapist, I am deeply passionate about addressing the intricacies of intimacy and sexuality. I provide a nonjudgmental, affirming space for clients to explore issues such as desire discrepancies, sexual dysfunction, and relational dynamics. My work is particularly attuned to areas like religious trauma, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and navigating kink or polyamorous lifestyles. I believe in celebrating the diversity of human experiences and empowering clients to embrace fulfilling and connected relationships.
In addition to my clinical work, I provide supervision to developing therapists, fostering a reflective and supportive environment for growth. Drawing on extensive experience across various healthcare and therapeutic settings, I guide supervisees in building ethical foundations, refining clinical skills, and tailoring their personal style to align with best practices.
As the operator of the Northwest Institute on Intimacy (NWIOI), along with my partner (Miri Sampson, also a therapist) we offer innovative training programs that emphasize justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in sex and intimacy work. NWIOI’s AASECT-approved curriculum equips professionals with the tools to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care, fostering greater understanding in the ever-evolving field of human sexuality. I currently sit as the Co-Chair for the 2025 AASECT Conference Planning Committee.
Whether I’m speaking at conferences, teaching graduate students, or leading workshops, my goal is to inspire curiosity, challenge assumptions, and empower professionals to create meaningful change in their practices. Therapy, education, and advocacy are not just my work—they are my passion, and I’m here to support growth and transformation at every step.
Overview of Career Work Experience
Marriage and Family Therapist, Owner & Practitioner
Family Therapy Private Practice, Neil Sampson LMFT, CST – Gig Harbor, WA
Operator of Sexuality Training Institute
Northwest Institute on Intimacy – Seattle, WA
AASECT CE Provider
Adjunct Professor
Seattle Pacific University, School of Psychology – Seattle, WA
Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy Course for PhD students
Social Service Specialist Lead II, Care Management, Mental Health Provider
CHI Franciscan Health – Tacoma, WA
Director of Evaluation and Treatment Center
Metropolitan Development Council – Tacoma, WA
Interim Director of Development and Strategy
MultiCare Health Systems – Tacoma General/Allenmore Administration
Adolescent Behavioral Health Program Manager and Service Delivery
MultiCare Health Systems – Tacoma, WA
Supervisor of Social Work & Care Management
CHI Franciscan Health – Tacoma, WA
Social Service Specialist, Care Management, Mental Health Provider
CHI Franciscan Health – Tacoma, WA
Adult and Child Outpatient Therapist, Mental Health Provider
Comprehensive Life Resources – Tacoma, WA
Additional Training & Certifications
EMDR Training Part I & Part II
Institute for Creative Mindfulness
AASECT Training
American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Conferences
AAMFT Supervision Training
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Advanced Clinical Sexology Course
Northwest Institute On Intimacy
Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR)
Northwest Institute On Intimacy
Gottman Training Levels 1, 2, 3
Couples Counseling Training, Seattle, WA
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
SeaTac, WA
De-escalation and Behavioral Management Training (AVADE)
Tacoma, WA
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk
Tacoma, WA
Crisis Prevention Institute Training
Tacoma, WA
Child Mental Health Specialist Certification
Washington State
Equine Co-Facilitated Partnership Rituals (ECPR)
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Prepare and Enrich Certification
Pre-marriage and marriage assessments.