Mrs. Keyonne Spencer LPC-S, LPC

When working with me, it's important to know that I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I am here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. My approach is compassionate, and client-centered, and I tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. I draw from a diverse background of experiences, which allows me to address a wide range of mental health issues with both insight and empathy. Whether we're navigating complex family dynamics, managing severe mental health conditions, or addressing everyday stressors, I bring a deep understanding and a commitment to helping you find effective solutions. I also emphasize the importance of education and empowerment in therapy. I want you to feel equipped with the tools and knowledge to manage your mental health outside of our sessions. Working with me means that you will not only receive support and guidance but also gain the skills to create lasting change in your life. Lastly, I understand that the therapeutic relationship is key to successful outcomes, so I am committed to being approachable, open, and responsive to your needs. Your comfort and progress are my top priorities, and I am here to ensure that you feel heard, valued, and supported throughout our work together.

Success in therapy can look different for everyone, but generally, it involves a noticeable shift toward feeling better, thinking more clearly, and being able to handle life's challenges with greater ease. Here are some ways a client might recognize progress in therapy: 1. Increased Self-Awareness: You start to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You become more aware of patterns that may have been holding you back and begin to recognize the triggers that affect your mental health. 2. Improved Coping Skills: Over time, you’ll notice that you’re better equipped to handle stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. The tools and strategies we discuss in therapy start to become second nature, helping you navigate challenges more effectively. 3. Positive Behavioral Changes: Success in therapy often involves making tangible changes in your daily life. This could mean setting healthier boundaries, improving communication in relationships, or taking steps toward achieving personal goals. 4. Better Relationships: As you work on yourself, you may notice improvements in your relationships with others. You might find that you're more patient, empathetic, and capable of resolving conflicts in a healthy way. 5. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: A sign of progress is being able to manage and express your emotions in a balanced way. You may find that you're less overwhelmed by negative emotions and more able to experience joy and contentment. 6. Achievement of Goals: Whether your goals are to reduce anxiety, heal from past trauma, or improve your relationships, success in therapy often means you’re moving closer to these objectives. You’ll begin to see and feel the changes you set out to achieve when you started therapy. 7. Increased Confidence and Empowerment: As you progress, you may notice a boost in your self-esteem and confidence. You feel more empowered to make decisions, take control of your life, and pursue what matters most to you. 8. A Sense of Hope: One of the clearest indicators of progress is a renewed sense of hope and optimism about the future. You may find that you’re more resilient and optimistic, even in the face of challenges. It's also important to remember that progress in therapy can be gradual, and sometimes subtle. Regularly reflecting on your journey, celebrating small victories, and acknowledging the work you've put in are all part of recognizing success in therapy.

A first session with me is all about getting to know you and making you feel comfortable as we begin our work together. Here's what you can expect: 1. Welcoming and Setting the Tone: I’ll start by introducing myself and explaining a bit about how our sessions will work. I aim to create a relaxed and supportive environment where you feel at ease. This is your space, and I want you to feel comfortable sharing whatever is on your mind. 2. Understanding Your Goals: We’ll spend time discussing what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Whether you're dealing with a specific issue or you're just looking for general support, I want to understand your goals so we can tailor our sessions to meet your needs. 3. Exploring Your Background: I’ll ask some questions to get a sense of your personal history, current situation, and any challenges you’re facing. This might include discussing your mental health history, relationships, work, and any other areas of life that are important to you. This helps me gain a comprehensive understanding of your life and how I can best support you. 4. Introducing My Approach: I’ll explain my therapeutic approach and how I typically work with clients. This includes discussing the methods and techniques I might use and how I believe we can best achieve your goals together. If you have any questions or concerns about therapy, this is a great time to bring them up. 5. Setting Expectations: We’ll talk about what you can expect from therapy, including how often we’ll meet, how long sessions will last, and what kind of commitment might be involved. I’ll also go over confidentiality and any other important guidelines. 6. Immediate Concerns: If there’s something pressing that you want to address right away, we’ll make time for that too. Sometimes, clients come to the first session with an urgent issue they want to talk about, and we can certainly focus on that if needed. 7. Next Steps: We’ll discuss the plan moving forward, including scheduling your next session and any initial steps we might take together. Therapy is a process, and we’ll outline how we’ll start working toward your goals. 8. Questions and Clarification: Finally, I’ll make sure you have the opportunity to ask any questions or share any thoughts you might have. It’s important to me that you leave the first session feeling informed and confident about our work together. Overall, the first session is about laying the foundation for a positive and productive therapeutic relationship. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, supported, and optimistic about the path ahead.

• Texas, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, 78830
• Louisiana, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, 8718
• Florida, Licensed Professional Counselor, TPMC 1175

I bring a wealth of experience to my practice, rooted in years of working with diverse populations and complex mental health issues. I began my journey as a Group Therapist at West Oaks Hospital, where for two years, I led therapeutic groups for clients struggling with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. This experience deepened my understanding of severe mental health conditions and helped me develop effective strategies for group therapy, where I learned the importance of creating a supportive environment for individuals facing significant challenges. Currently, I am the owner and clinical director of Spencer Counseling Services, a mental health private practice that I have been running since 2017. In this role, I not only provide direct care to clients but also oversee the professional development of master's level interns and LPC-Associates. My responsibility is to guide these emerging professionals, helping them develop their clinical skills while ensuring they deliver high-quality care to our clients. This role has allowed me to cultivate a collaborative and educational environment where clients benefit from both seasoned professionals and fresh perspectives. In addition to running my private practice, I have also served as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) therapist for the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the past four years. In this capacity, I provide support to postal employees dealing with a variety of personal and work-related challenges, such as stress management, workplace conflicts, and mental health concerns. My work as an EAP therapist involves offering brief counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to specialized services, ensuring that employees receive the help they need to maintain their well-being and productivity. Through these experiences, I have developed expertise in a broad range of mental health issues, from severe psychiatric conditions to everyday stressors. My work is guided by a commitment to compassionate care, professional development, and empowering clients to achieve their mental health goals.