Therapy for the relationships in your life.
Therapy in All Shapes & Sizes
CHILDREN · TEENAGERS · FAMILY · COLLEGE STUDENTS · YOUNG ADULTS · ONLINE THERAPY
Therapy for Children
Children often seek forms of play to relieve stress, resolve conflict and organize experiences. The use of play in a clinical setting has proven therapeutic benefits. Through play, children are likelier to open up about what’s bothering them and create healthy interpersonal connections. Spencer’s unique resolution therapy for children affected by trauma is rooted in compassion, empathy, and kindness. Whether your child is acting out, not able to make friends, or can’t connect with their surroundings like their peers, play therapy is a viable option for your child.
Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD
Various problems in children are mislabeled as bad behavior. In working with Spencer, such labels are not tolerated. Every child is unique and deserves to be appreciated. More often than not, diagnosing early signs of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children isn’t easy. That’s why Spencer’s integrated approach focuses on observing a child as they learn through play, socialize with their surroundings, and respond to conversations. The goal is to encourage expression by building a bond with kids who tend not to open up.
Each child/play session is conducted in a relaxing environment with balanced stimulants
Spencer interacts with children and teaches them how to establish personal boundaries to prevent frustration from sensory overload. This is topped with exercises in self-awareness, communication, and anger management. For those who have gone through past traumas, a specialized plan is devised to adopt healthy coping mechanisms rooted in self-worth and independence.
Therapy for Teenagers
Growing up in the digital era is no easy feat. Teenagers today have a lot more to deal with compared to previous generations.
Modern teens are at a much higher risk of developing stress disorders than ever before and that speaks volumes. According to the CDC’s newly published data, over a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the pandemic and 44% reported they felt persistently sad and hopeless over the past year. Poor mental health in teens translates to struggles in school and grades, as well as with their decision making and health. Teens need to feel connected, and a combination of therapy and mindfulness techniques can be a very effective intervention to set teens on the right path. As a recognized specialist, Spencer has worked with countless teens and his therapy sessions are thoughtfully curated to ensure they are seen and heard and feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings.
Core areas of focus
Trauma
Unfortunately, trauma is still one of the top reasons why teenagers continue to suffer today. Trouble in the household can severely impact a young mind’s quality of life. Newly published CDC data shows that 55% of high school students have suffered emotional abuse and 11% have suffered physical abuse from an adult in the home. 29% reported a parent losing a job in the last year. Such trauma can lead to increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse and risky sexual behaviors. From escaping abusive situations to navigating this challenging stage in life, Spencer seeks to unravel the root cause of mental unrest in teenagers.
Academic stress
Cutthroat competition and unnerving academic responsibilities shouldn’t compromise your well-being. Academic stress looks different for everyone. If academic stress is getting too overwhelming, it could be because you’re taking on more than you should or that you’re not properly managing your time. Therapy can help in that it allows individuals to vocalize and review their stressors and develop helpful coping strategies. Together, you and Spencer can identify your triggers and come up with a plan to help make your academic life feel more manageable.
Bullying and socialization
Can’t seem to fit in? Bullying and socialization issues affect millions of teenagers across the globe. Whether you’re a parent who wants professional counseling for their child or a teenager seeking help, customized therapy can do wonders to address your social and emotional wellbeing. Through his involvement with Our Village: A Social Learning Community, Spencer has extensive experience in evidence-based methodologies to address issues relating to social integration, relationship building and bullying.
Family Therapy
Getting along with family isn’t as easy as it might seem. Individual differences between siblings, parents, spouses, and children can clash, causing discontent and familial unrest. To navigate your role among others, you must first identify the unique dynamics of your family system and implement healthy practices that reduce toxic patterns. Disagreements, unpleasant incidents, and estranged familial relationships in the past extend into the future unless involved parties work together to make things better. That’s exactly what you’ll be working on with Spencer.
Regulating your emotions and behaviors
Do you tend to lash out over seemingly little things? You’re considered giddy and calm among your friend group but completely different within the family circle. Knowing how your emotions can reflect behaviors in various situations is incredibly important. With Spencer’s assistance, you’re encouraged to dive deep into the history of your bonds with family members, and thus, navigate core memories that determine the way you interact with them now. In that, you will embark on an insightful journey that enables you to implement necessary changes.
Why invest in family therapy?
Don't subscribe to toxic household dynamics. Make the most of family therapy conducted by a trained specialist. At Spencer Nieves LMFT, each session is designed to achieve a specific goal. So, whether you’re a parent having trouble parenting their child, a teenager who’s always at odds with adults, or a sibling eager to reconnect with their brother or sister despite a rocky past, family therapy is the right choice. Spencer deploys a hybrid counseling approach whereby all members are engaged through hands-on activities. You’re encouraged to leave behind old ways of maintaining relationships that might be hurting the integrity of your bonds in the present. Although individuality is always retained, Spencer helps you realize your power and strength as one united force - a family that stands tall against tough challenges.
What is encouraged
One-on-one and group-based communication
Complete honesty: Expression of raw feelings
Sharing hard truths
Therapy for College Students
Students enrolled in college are burdened with a plethora of unique challenges. What’s more, being away from what’s familiar doesn't make things easier. For most students, college is the first ‘adult’ thing they must strive at. There is no cushion of protection to lighten the blow. Nor extended support from family members who don’t live in the same area.
Academic Stress
College-level academia is tough and stressful. Not only must you speak during class but also submit assignments on time, make new friends, and for some, adjust to living away from home for the first time. Naturally, managing all of this can get overwhelming. Additionally, time management presents its own unique challenges. If you feel that your college experience is taking a toll on you, it’s time to strike that much-needed balance by giving therapy a try.
Loneliness
College sounds fun until everyone around you is in a relationship, or surrounded by good friends. Fighting feelings of loneliness can take a toll on an individual's mental and physical health. At Spencer Nieves LMFT, you will have the opportunity to discuss how you feel: what stops you from approaching people and stepping out of your shell. Together we will develop strategies to help you navigate these challenges during this new phase of your life.
Therapy for Young Adults
Young adults in 2022 are facing greater challenges than ever before. From confronting a pandemic to coping with the preemptive effects of an impending recession, there’s been a lot, to say the least. As a young adult navigating the next phase of their life, transitioning into adulthood may prove nerve-wracking. In targeted therapy for young adults, Spencer has a heart-to-heart with individuals experiencing a wide variety of life issues.
Mental Health
Managing mental health must take precedence over everything. However, young adults dealing with psychological disorders are often left to deal with them on their own. As someone who is experiencing new things and constantly being pushed out of their comfort zone, ensuring mental well-being is of utmost importance. At Spencer Nieves LMFT, you will receive the kind of support people wish to rely on. Young adults often consult Spencer to discuss their experience with:
Depression
Anxiety/Social Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
ADHD
Relationships
Grief
Professional Development; and
Professional Performance
No judgment, all love
Young adults in modern times have drastically different needs than their older counterparts. Unlike previous generations, you have to choose from an ever-growing bundle of options when it comes to every single aspect of life. Rest assured, Spencer is known for his gentle demeanor and values of inclusivity. Everyone is welcome - our therapy sessions are meticulously vetted to ensure zero traces of discriminatory elements. All communications and advice are provided with considerable respect for your lifestyle choices and privacy.
Online Therapy
Can’t come for in-person therapy sessions? No problem! Take online counseling sessions with Spencer Nieves. Online therapy is available in various modules. While we encourage in-person appointments for child counseling, all types of therapies are available online.
We are currently accepting Telehealth clients for morning and mid-day sessions.