BIO
Sam Louie is a psychotherapist, author, spoken word artist and Emmy Award-Winning former journalist who provides culturally relevant, diversity messages and trainings focused on building awareness, sensitivity, improving cultural competencies while fostering a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment.
Sam’s keynotes and workshops are not only educational but also inspirational where he draws from the collective experiences of his clients as well as his own upbringing as a first-generation Asian immigrant to the United States. Sam weaves together personal anecdotes, clinical examples, and world events and delivers his messages and workshops in a manner that is interactive through spoken word poetry, videos, and group exercises.
His family emigrated from Hong Kong and settled in South Seattle in the 70’s at a time when it was a predominantly poor, African-American neighborhood. He persevered through poverty, stereotypes, bullying, job discrimination, and three generations of addictions to get to where he is today. Consequently, he understands keenly what it means to be a minority in the U.S. and also a therapist who understands addictions first-hand.
In his inspiring keynotes, he reflects back on all the personal, cultural, and societal barriers that stood in his way. Yet in the end, he found a way to reach his goals despite stumbles and setbacks. His story is a sobering reminder of the realities of social inequity still facing minorities still but is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Sam Louie is a psychotherapist with a private practice near Seattle, Washington specializing in multicultural issues, shame and addictions. He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
Sam comes from an extensive journalism background having worked as an Emmy-Award Winning television reporter. He currently writes a blog for Psychology Today, Minority Report: Candid Conversations on Race, Culture, and Psychology. In addition, he has published Slanted Eyes: The Asian-American Poetic Experience, is a powerful poetry collection touching on themes of discrimination, prejudice, and other cultural struggles. Asian Shame and Addiction: Suffering in Silenceis his seminal therapeutic work focusing on the impact of Asian collectivism and cultural shame and its impact on the mental health of Asian cultures.
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"My colleagues and I enjoyed his dynamic style during his keynote especially while he was performing his poetry."
University of Vermont
"Sam brings incredible energy to the table and combined with his unique blend of story-telling, humor, and Spoken Word poetry, I was able to grasp not only Asian-American experiences but those other ethnic minorities."
Edmonds Community College
"As a Caucasian, I am sometimes wary about diversity speakers/training, yet Sam's ability to laugh at himself and share about his own ethnic bias was refreshing. Not only was I more comfortable with myself but I could tell Sam does not judge others for where they're at."
Northwest University
"Shame is such a pernicious aspect of Asian culture, I'm thrilled Sam had the opportunity to speak on campus about this relevant topic."
Towson University