Last edited 09/30/2021
Chad SpencerLCSW
LCSW
Accepting New Clients
Get To Know Me
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
My approach to treatment is very much informed by how I try to live my own life. As the saying goes “teachers teach what they most need to learn themselves”. I am not a big proponent of some of earlier styles of Psychoanalytic treatment whereby the therapist gives little information to the client about themselves, and then waits passively for the patient to begin a process of “projection”. While I do think boundaries are very important within the therapeutic relationship, boundaries that are too rigid can impede treatment and create an atmosphere of distrust on the part of the client. Oprah Winfrey was once asked the question in an interview “what do you know for sure”. She was so stumped by the question that she started to use the question in her own interviews with some of her guests. So here is one thing that I know for sure after 20 years of practice: Clients cannot heal in an environment where they do not feel safe. So, first and foremost, my job is to create a therapeutic relationship that fosters a sense of safety. Once that is established, exploration of things that may have once seemed to be too frightening to look at, suddenly seem less daunting and manageable to explore.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
I first sought out a therapist at the age of 19 myself. It was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. The specific reasons for going are not important, but what I will say is that even though I pursued and received a great formal education; participating in therapy myself is what really prepared me for the work ahead. The reason why Psychotherapy is useful for all people, not just those struggling with a mental illness, is simple. As human beings, when we are heavily steeped in a situation, it is challenging for us to see ourselves clearly without an objective outside accountability partner. A therapist is a friendly partner or coach, who can help us see our blind spots. And since all of us are human beings- we all have them. Therapy provides us with the tools needed to create more freedom in our lives. We learn how to navigate relationships with greater sophistication, care, and subtlety. I would venture to say that these skills are useful for all who are trying to be their best in any area of their life.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I am a very process oriented therapist, and so while I believe setting goals is important in therapy; I believe self-exploration should precede any attempts to concretize goals. From my perspective, the first “goal” would be for me to collaborate with the client and to simply explore some of the concerns that prompted them to seek out a therapist in the first place. There is plenty of “grist for the mill” in that one question alone. Goals will reveal themselves along the way as the individual evolves and gains more self- awareness.
Learn more about my:
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyBipolar disorderPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
General Expertise
CareersRelationship IssuesLoss/GriefRace & Cultural IdentityADHDAddictionAbuse/Survivors of abuseCodependencyGender identity & transgender healthLGBTQIA related issuesLife coachingLife transitionsMood disordersPsychotic DisordersSex AddictionTrauma
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyCulturally Sensitive TherapyJungian TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingMindfulness-Based Cognitive TherapyCompassion-Focused TherapyExistential Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureFlorida, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW7140
Training/CertificationsQualified State Supervisor FloridaLicensed Clinical Social Worker State of Florida
Education
Alumni of New York University
Rutgers University Undergrad
Work HistoryThe very first years of my career were devoted to the treatment of persons with significant mental illness. This included being in a mobile van, and being called out to various residences in the community where family might be having difficulty with a loved one. Often instances where the person was Psychotic or under the influence and could not determine for themselves that they were in need of treatment. This allowed me the opportunity to make every effort to intervene so that a client could avoid being mandated to treatment. In the instances where that could not be avoided, I learned to use the Florida Baker act laws with great discretion in the event that the individual was in need of involuntary care. During this time, I was also working in Private Practice part-time and most of these clients either did not have a mental illness, or their diagnosis was not persistent and severe, The clients in this setting afforded me the opportunity to treat clients in a completely different environment. It was important to me that at least in the beginning of my career to be exposed to every variation with regard to acuity. I wanted to be a therapist capable of working with many different kinds of clients, so that I could be helpful to as many people as possible. I wanted my perspective to be as broad as possible. This remains the same today as I have balanced my time between acute settings, and private practice. As of recent I have let go of practicing in acute settings such as inpatient care, and my focus is now geared toward private practice alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Chad Spencer, LCSW, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Chad Spencer accepting new clients?
Yes, Chad Spencer is accepting new clients.
Does Chad Spencer accept insurance?
No, Chad Spencer does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Chad Spencer offer?
Chad Spencer offers therapy for individuals.
Does Chad Spencer offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in Florida can book Chad Spencer for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Chad Spencer offer online therapy?
Yes, Chad Spencer offers online therapy to people in Florida.
How quickly can I see Chad Spencer?
Chad Spencer typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Chad Spencer speak?
Chad Spencer conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Chad Spencer online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Chad Spencer online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
Find Similar Therapists Near You