Therapists in 84097

Hi, my name is Spencer, thanks for stopping by and taking a look at my profile. Finding the right therapist can be tricky at times. Here's a bit about myself to help you see if we'd be a good fit. My main goal as a therapist is to help others live in congruence with themselves. I believe peace comes and shame is reduced when one is aligned with their personal values. A lot of different events can push us out of alignment, and therapy is great at getting us back on track. Areas I spend a lot of time in are: self esteem, substance abuse, relationships, men's/women's issues, life transitions, anxiety/depression.

I believe that life can be meaningful and fulfilling. This can come from exploration and healing. The focus in my practice is on LGBTQIA+ individuals and individuals experiencing faith crisis, transition, and questioning. In my professional experience trauma, depression, and various anxieties can make life feel overwhelming and lonely.

After spending a year serving amazing people, I am restarting my practice and have immediate availability. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples find purpose in life. My experience working with incredible people over the last 18 years has shown that fulfillment in life comes with understanding and belief in yourself. Whether it is addiction, trauma, relationship issues or simply adjusting to life as a young adult, there is a rewarding path to success. The forces of anxiety, depression or whatever hurdle you feel controls you can be powerfully managed through our building on your strengths together.

I strive to be relationship focused in all I do as a counselor, even in my individual work. I believe the research and have observed how loneliness hurts: we thrive when connected and struggle when isolated. I utilize EFT and the Gottman Method with couples; I focus on family work with children because individual play therapy is often unhelpful, in the long-term; Filial Play Therapy and PCIT are my favorites models for parents with their children. I utilize ACT and Arbinger principles in most of my work. I foster connections with my clients but especially between clients and their people, including their spiritual Connection.

My goal is to help my clients build a “life worth living by them”! I am here to help people from all walks of life develop and enhance meaningful skills for a meaningful life; reduce intrusive and negative thoughts, be more effective in relationships, regulating their emotions, getting through a crisis without making it worse, putting an end to addictive behaviors, chronic feelings of emptiness, depression, and anxiety.

A wise artist once said, "The truth is, I need help, but I just can't imagine who I'd be if I was happy." It's common to feel more comfortable in a state of depression, anxiety, or stress when these have been your only companions. What would it be like if you were happy? I am not here to promise a constant state of happiness, but I will promise that I will accompany and support you in your journey toward healing and peace.

My clients are individuals, couples, and families of all ages who want to find hope, happiness, and healing in their lives, but struggle due these or other reasons: Anxiety, trauma, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Ideation, Problems at Work, Parenting, Problems in Friendships and/or Interpersonal Relationships, Pre-marital or Marital Conflict/Problems, Family Conflict, Faith/Spiritual Crisis, Poor Self-image/Body Shame, Illness, and/or Pornography Use and Addiction, (Both Men and Women).

I have been working in the Mental Health field for over 20 years in a variety of settings. I have had several years experience working with teenagers in Residential Treatment Center's, and have worked with clients of all ages in day treatment, outpatient clinics, and private practice. I use an individualized therapeutic approach to help people work through their struggles, stress, and other issues that have caused problems in their day to day life. I specialize in working with teenagers, college-aged, and adults.

Life brings with it challenges and stresses for all of us that, at times, make the journey seem frightening and hopeless. Anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and trauma find their way into ALL of our lives to one degree or another. When we experience such times, we long for a deeper connection with our loved ones but are unable to find it. The good news is that we don’t need to suffer alone and there IS hope for healing and connection!

I work well with people who are motivated to challenge their inner dialogue in an effort to grow and change their present reality. Depression, Anxiety, and Grief limit our perspectives. Achieving balance internally with thoughts and emotions can lead to a healthier sense of self, more fulfilling relationships, and a broader vision of what a positive future can hold. Attachment struggles hinder our ability to connect with others in a way that doesn't sacrifice our own identity. Boundaries, knowledge of emotional needs, and effective communication are the goals to adaptive attachment. We can address any of these areas in sessions.

My clients want to gain the ability to enjoy and contribute to life regardless of circumstance, regardless of genetic attributes, regardless of past failures. They are willing to stop feeling miserable, which means active pursuit of whatever it takes to change their current path. I am experienced in several populations including: adolescents, early return missionaries, military, couples and sex counseling, substance addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar and men's issues.