Therapy with
Spencer

“The debt we owe to the play of imagination is incalculable.” – Carl Jung

Speak with Spencer

Accredited LA therapist who empowers children, teens, and young adults to find their voice and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Spencer firmly believes in guiding people in the right direction using a combination of innovative and well tested counseling techniques rooted in enhancing self-awareness and improvement.

About Spencer

With a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, Spencer Nieves has started his journey as a dedicated therapist. Driven by passion and empathy, he was eager to make a positive impact on the people who turned to him for help. Today, he treats children, teens, and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation, anger management, grief and more.

As a male therapist, Spencer goes above and beyond to ensure that his clients feel safe and appreciated. He is known for being incredibly empathetic, empowering, and compassionate. This is exactly why everyone - especially male clients resistant to expressing their feelings - who has worked with him can vouch for his judgment-free guidance and open-minded feedback.

Spencer does not subscribe to any outdated standards of communication. Nothing is off the table - everyone is encouraged to speak their minds without fear of shame. Even sensitive topics considered taboo are tactfully addressed and handled.

Spencer’s focus outside the realm of therapy is reserved for human well-being. He is both a certified fitness instructor and nutrition coach who brings these disciplines to his practice. He has been known to incorporate breath work and movement to achieve positive outcomes.

Spencer’s Approach

Through an intricate amalgamation of mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and somatic practices, Spencer takes inspiration from an integrated approach that restores balance to the mind, body, and soul. He strives to unravel the root causes of a person’s emotional issues and boosts confidence with targeted self-esteem mechanisms that build resilience. Each session is thoughtfully curated to fit the age of the person being addressed. At the end of the day, Spencer’s primary goal is to understand and support his clients unconditionally through a series of coping strategies that help provide a clearer roadmap to a quality life driven by a high sense of self-worth, self-control and confidence.

Testimonials
Grateful mom of 15-Year-Old son

“Unfortunately, most kids need therapy these days, but they DON’T need your typical therapist. They need someone that is creative and meets them where they are. Rather than meeting my teenage son in a sterile therapy office, Spencer meets him on the basketball court where my teen will talk forever, and the best part is he can’t wait to go back! Clever homework questions easily open the door for those difficult topics. Brilliant!”

Mother of 11-Year-Old Boy

“Spencer is a miracle worker. He is the only person who was able to help my son effectively work through issues.  Spencer is a great role model, he is fun yet professional, and works well with both kids and parents.”

Ethan, 20-Year-Old Client

“Spencer always did a great job making me feel comfortable to speak honestly. I always knew he was really hearing what I was saying, and he offered good relevant advice.”

Sharon, Mother of 11-Year-old Boy and 8-Year-Old Girl

“Spencer's grounded ease and warmth simplified the process of connecting with my kids. They trust they have an open and nonjudgmental ear to listen to any concerns.  Spencer's guidance has helped them navigate their family transition to two households from one, and they look forward to their sessions every week.” 

Ryder, 17-Year-Old Client

“During my therapy sessions with Spencer I have had a really good time. He has helped me through hard times that I didn't think I needed someone to help me get through. I'm able to talk to him about whatever I want really and it's pretty fun to have someone to do that with. I highly recommend people have him as their therapist because not only does he help you, but he makes it fun at the same time.”

Leah, Mother of 11-Year-Old Boy

“Spencer is a wonderful child therapist and has been so helpful for my son.  My son started seeing him during the pandemic.  My son has really benefited from having Spencer to talk to during this time.”

Carina, Mother of 9 and 7 Year-Old Boys

"My 9-year-old and 7-year-old boys have been in therapy with Spencer for over a year; they have developed a fun, kind and trusting relationship with Spencer; they are always excited to go to therapy and look forward to their next session. Spencer has helped my boys learn to open up and talk openly about issues happening in and out of school, and they are also doing much better dealing with strong emotions. As a mom, I feel at peace knowing that my boys have a safe space to share their feelings and anything that might be going on in their lives. I am very grateful for having Spencer’s support during a very difficult time.”

Mary, Mother of 16-Year-Old Son

“Spencer has been instrumental in guiding Jackson and providing him with tools to navigate through mental health, depression, body image and self-confidence issues that became more heightened during Covid.”

Anjale, Mother of 14-year-old son

“Spencer’s therapy practice entered our family life in perfect timing. He was an indelible resource not only to our son, but to my husband and me as well. To know that we were not alone in our parenting journey gave us peace of mind, and the ability to remain present as the parents we wanted most to be.”

Becky, Mother of 12-Year-Old Son

“Weekly visits with Spencer are a safe haven for my son.  He knows there is never any judgement and that we are all on his team to help him talk through his big emotions and learn the tools on how to self-regulate. Connecting with my son through things he enjoys, like playing chess or shooting hoops outside, allows my son to go at a pace that is comfortable to him.  Navigating life as a 12-year old boy isn't easy, so we're very grateful to Spencer and SBCFT.”

Liz, Mother of 14-Year-Old Twin Boys

“Spencer has been providing in-person therapy to my teenage sons for almost a year. My sons have seen other therapists over the years to deal with anxiety, depression and just growing up stresses - but none of them related to my sons in the way that Spencer has. He meets them on their level, taking a walk with them or playing a board game and they feel like they're confiding in an older friend. My boys trust him and know that their conversations are private unless there is a safety concern when a parent needs to be involved. Our high school schedules are busy but appointments with Spencer are something my sons look forward to and don't seem like a doctor’s appointment or chore. As long as Spencer has time in his schedule my teenagers will continue to seek therapy from him!”

Lisa, Mother of 13-Year-Old Son

"Our son started working with Spencer in August of 2021 prior to the start of his 8th grade year. Since then, we have seen improvement in our son’s attitude, and in our family’s overall communication. Our son enjoys meeting with Spencer, and we are so grateful for his guidance and support during these teenage years.”

Enzo, 16-Year-Old Client

“Spencer Changed my life. I am a completely better person and I will continue to grow as a better person.”

Mother of 17-Year-Old Boy

“Our son had a very rough time during COVID and was struggling to reintegrate into school. We were seeking a therapist who would connect with him and see the beauty and brilliance inside him. Spencer really tapped into our son’s strengths, provided strategies for navigating tough high school situations, and inspired our son to seek clarity through fitness and hard work.”

Work with Spencer, today.