Sameh Shaker, Ph.D.

Ph.D. Candidate

Marriage and Family Therapist

Hello!  My name is Sameh Shaker, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist at Lilac Therapy Center.  Through an attachment-focused lens, I work with both individuals, couples, and families who want to strengthen their emotional and relational lives.  I have received specialized training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows me to support my clients through negative cycles of conflict, anxiety and depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions.  I believe that true change happens through emotional connection, and this principle guides my support and care for my clients.  

I am passionate about helping couples who feel stuck in cycles of conflict or distance find their way back to closeness, intimacy, and joy.  I have a particular specialty in supporting couples around sexual disconnection or dysfunction, including sexual trauma, desire discrepancy, and sexual function concerns.  I also support individuals with struggles related to grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions.  I have a particular interest in supporting individuals going through separation or divorce and navigating co-parenting and custody conflicts.  I can also work with court-ordered co-parenting cases.  Overall, I focus on exploring the deeper patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others, helping my clients experience more freedom, confidence, and meaningful connection.

I also have over 14 years of experience working in the palliative and hospice care field, supporting clients who have experienced grief and loss, holding space for medical staff working in this field, and leading support groups for individuals and families in this community.  In 2024 and 2025, I was a recipient of the Great Client Experience Award through Main Line Health.  

I welcome clients from all backgrounds and faith traditions. When requested, I thoughtfully integrate spirituality into therapy. My practice is inclusive and affirming of all religions, cultures, races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.  I am also fluent in Arabic and can provide therapeutic services in English and Arabic.

Education and Professional Background:

Sameh is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at Eastern University, earning his doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy.  He is completing his doctoral dissertation, which explores the intersection of religion and therapeutic alliance when using Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and he has a particular interest in Sex Therapy.  Sameh has worked in outpatient clinical settings and is a Palliative Care Certified Chaplain.  He has a number of years of experience in pastoral education, studying in both Philadelphia and Cairo, Egypt.   In his free time, Sameh enjoys watching and coaching soccer and traveling.