Transforming Mental Health Leadership — Dr. Terry Samuels, Samuels Holistic Counselling Services
Edition name – Top 5 Transformative Leaders in Mental Healthcare of the Decade
Dr. Terry Samuels’ professional journey is rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and the well-being of others. As CEO and Owner of Samuels Holistic Counselling Services, his work reflects decades of dedication to supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments. From his early academic pursuits in criminal justice and public administration to his advanced training in counseling and psychology, Dr. Samuels has continually expanded his knowledge to better serve the evolving needs of his community.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Armstrong Atlantic University in 1994, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University in 1996. Years later, driven by a deeper calling toward mental health and human development, he completed his Master of Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University in 2015. As a fully licensed therapist in the state of Georgia and having completed the academic requirements for his doctorate in psychology, Dr. Samuels has built a career grounded in both academic rigor and compassionate practice.
Over more than two decades, his professional experiences have spanned work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating complex emotional and social challenges. His service includes time as a senior-level probation officer in juvenile court, as well as extensive engagement supporting individuals affected by domestic violence, grief, anxiety, relationship struggles, and depression. With years of crisis-level intervention work, intensive family services, community treatment initiatives, and long-standing involvement in the foster care system, he has cultivated a holistic understanding of mental health across diverse life stages.
Today, Dr. Samuels channels this depth of experience into his leadership at Samuels Holistic Counselling Services, where his mission centers on empowering individuals and elevating quality of life throughout Georgia. His story is not merely one of professional advancement, but of purpose—continually seeking innovative, compassionate approaches to strengthen the communities he serves.
Please share the beginning of your career journey with us?
“I am the youngest of six children and was raised primarily by my mother, Ms. Charles Ann Samuels, a hardworking woman with a ninth-grade education who labored tirelessly as a maid to provide for our family. During the summer months, my grandmother, Mrs. Lessie Green, played an important caregiving role in my upbringing. Their strength, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment shaped the foundation of who I am today.
My father, a decorated Army Major who served for 22 years and spoke six languages, was largely absent from my life — I saw him only eight times growing up. Although my siblings and I share the same father, my mother carried the responsibility of raising us with limited resources but extraordinary perseverance. We grew up in the Fred Wessells housing project community, where expectations for higher education or long-term professional advancement were minimal. No one in my family had attended college before me.
Despite those circumstances, I recognized early on that I possessed curiosity, drive, and abilities that could take me beyond environmental limitations. I became the first in my family to attend and complete college, earning my bachelor’s degree from Armstrong Atlantic University. I went on to receive a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University, followed by a Master of Professional Counseling and ultimately a Doctorate in Psychology from Grand Canyon University.
My academic and professional journey represents more than personal accomplishment — it symbolizes generational transformation. It reflects the discipline instilled in me, the sacrifices made by my mother, and my commitment to shaping my own path. From those beginnings, I built a career dedicated to service, growth, and expanding possibilities for others who may come from similar circumstances.
I was raised by a mother whose work ethic defined excellence without complaint. Ms. Charles Ann Samuels worked tirelessly to provide for her six children, taking pride in serving families throughout Savannah, Georgia. Her dignity, discipline, and unwavering commitment created the psychological and moral foundation upon which I built my life.
I became the first member of my family to attend college, enrolling at Armstrong Atlantic University. During my time there, I embraced opportunities to lead and serve, being elected Student Government Association Vice President in my junior year and President in my senior year. Those experiences were early indicators of my passion for leadership and community engagement.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I continued my academic journey at Georgia State University. Earning my graduate degree and purchasing my first home represented meaningful personal and generational milestones. Beyond professional accomplishments, one of my greatest joys has been raising my four sons and watching them develop their individuality and purpose.
Today, I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia (LPC011391) and have owned and operated my practice, Samuels Holistic Counselling Services, for approximately seven years. Our office is located in Stockbridge, Georgia, where I remain committed to serving the community through compassionate and individualized care. My therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based frameworks, emphasizing the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship. I draw from Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Transgenerational perspectives, Psychodynamic methods, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address each client’s unique needs.
My areas of expertise include supporting individuals and families across a broad range of challenges, including ADHD, anger management, anxiety, attachment and separation issues, bipolar disorder, career counseling, child and adolescent concerns, depression, domestic violence, foster care placement, learning disabilities, LGBTQ-related issues, male-related issues, relationship challenges, self-esteem development, and trauma or PTSD. Through this work, my mission remains focused on helping people grow, heal, and reach their full potential”- Dr. Terry Samuels
What are your long-term goals, and where do you envision yourself in the coming years?
“My long-term goals are centered on continued growth, service, and balance in both my professional and personal life. Professionally, I am motivated to write five to six more books that contribute meaningful insight and support to the mental health field. I have a deep passion for helping neurodivergent children — particularly those navigating autism, ADHD, and other mental health challenges — and I plan to expand my work and impact in that area.
I also envision growing my practice beyond its current base in Stockbridge, Georgia, with the goal of expanding into Savannah. Extending services to another community would allow me to reach more individuals and families in need of support. Another aspiration I continue to pursue is teaching at the college level, where I can share my knowledge, experiences, and practical perspective with the next generation of professionals.
On a personal level, I value maintaining balance and connection with my family. I look forward to spending more time outdoors camping with my wife and family, and I am seriously considering purchasing an RV to create new experiences and memories together.
Overall, I see the coming years as a period of meaningful expansion — advancing my professional contributions, mentoring future professionals, and deepening the relationships and experiences that matter most in life” – Dr. Terry Samuels
Who has been the most significant source of inspiration in your life?
“The most significant sources of inspiration in my life have been my mother, my grandmother, and my wife. My mother has had the greatest impact on who I am today. Her strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to providing for our family shaped my values, work ethic, and sense of responsibility from an early age.
My grandmother also played an important role in my upbringing, offering guidance, care, and stability during formative years. Her presence reinforced the importance of family, resilience, and faith.
My wife continues to be a profound source of inspiration in my life. She reminds me very much of my mother — strong-willed, compassionate, and dedicated. As a licensed professional counselor in Georgia, I admire her ability to balance being a strong woman, a devoted partner, and an exceptional mother. Watching her navigate those roles with grace motivates me to continue growing both personally and professionally”- Dr. Terry Samuels
Notable Recognitions and Accreditations:
Dr. Terry Samuels has established a strong professional foundation through a combination of advanced clinical credentials, academic distinction, and respected affiliations within the counselling and leadership communities. As CEO and Owner of Samuels Holistic Counselling Services, his professional standing reflects both specialization in therapeutic practice and a commitment to ethical, high-quality care.
He serves as a certified clinical supervisor in the state of Georgia and holds advanced certifications in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Telemental Health. These credentials highlight his clinical depth as well as his adaptability in delivering care through both traditional and digital therapeutic environments.
Dr. Samuels maintains active membership in respected professional and leadership organizations, including Black World Leaders — a global leadership network — and the National Board for Certified Counsellors (NBCC). These affiliations underscore his ongoing engagement with professional standards, collaboration, and continued development within the counselling field.
His academic excellence and scholarly contributions have also been recognized through honorary society memberships. He is a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, acknowledging distinction at the master’s level, and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, recognizing doctoral-level achievement.
Together, these recognitions and affiliations reflect a career grounded in academic rigor, professional credibility, and an enduring dedication to advancing mental health practice within his community and beyond.
What were the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered in your career?
“One of the greatest challenges in my development was learning the importance of discernment — understanding that not everyone deserves immediate access to my time, trust, or energy. Early in life and leadership, I did not always take the time to truly study people. I assumed sincerity. I assumed alignment. I assumed shared values. Experience taught me otherwise.
Before fully entering the mental health profession, I had to develop the ability to read character, observe behavioral patterns, and evaluate the consistency between words and actions. I came to understand that some individuals distort truth, manipulate narratives, or respond to disagreement with hostility. Disagreement itself is not disrespect — but immaturity often turns differences into conflict.
This realization became foundational to a principle I reference in all my books: CRM — Character, Responsibility, and Maturity.
- Character is what a person demonstrates when accountability is inconvenient.
- Responsibility is ownership without excuse.
- Maturity is emotional regulation in the presence of disagreement.
Recognizing that not everyone embodies these traits was liberating. It allowed me to stop internalizing others’ dysfunction and begin establishing appropriate boundaries.
Learning to set boundaries with toxic individuals was not an act of rejection — it was an act of stewardship. Protecting mental clarity, emotional stability, and long-term vision requires discernment. Boundaries are not barriers to growth; they are safeguards of it.
Ultimately, growth and development must be foundational to every person’s life. If an individual is not committed to evolving, reflecting, and strengthening emotional intelligence, their proximity becomes limiting. I have chosen to build my life around people who value growth, accountability, and psychological development.
CRM is not simply a concept — it is a filter that shapes my leadership, relationships, authorship, and legacy”- Dr. Terry Samuels
Dr. Terry Samuels’ journey reflects purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to service. Through his work at Samuels Holistic Counselling Services, he continues to empower individuals and families by promoting healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being within the community.
His impact extends beyond professional practice, rooted in leadership, compassion, and a dedication to uplifting others. As he moves forward, Dr. Samuels remains focused on expanding his reach, inspiring future generations, and advancing meaningful change in holistic mental healthcare.
