About Me
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. My job is to create an environment that feels safe and free of judgement, so that the client is able to explore solutions, or process experiences that may have felt too overwhelming to address in the past. Healing only takes place when human beings feel safe enough to be vulnerable, to experience and express feelings that may have long remained in the unconscious. To my thinking, the purpose of therapy is to raise consciousness, increase mindfulness, improve coping skills, and assist clients in discovering their own innate abilities and personal strengths.
Specialties
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Coping with life changes , Coaching , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Attachment Issues , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Services Offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
LCSW #sw7140 (Expires: 2023-03-31)
Reviews
So far i'm very please with my therapist and this service.
Chad is the real deal! He is so authentic and I always feel better after our sessions!
Chad is always insightful and very considerate.
Chad is very personable and easy to talk to. He has great advise with easy to follow strategies
I was very skeptical about BetterHelp when I signed up, but after filling out the questionnaire I was matched with Chad. He has been nothing but awesome and has taken the time to get to know me and understand my troubles. I still have a ways to go, but he's been very good at helping me work through some of my stress and helping me figure out what I think I need to do.
Chad has been helpful in only a few sessions. He’s down to earth and practical which I like. I’m looking forward to more sessions.
Chad seems to be fully engaged and interested in what I have to say. I feel as though he is actually listening and not waiting for a break in conversation to interject something pre-planned for our sessions. Not to say he doesn't pre plan points of discussion but he adapts his responses to the situation.
Chad is the best counselor I’ve ever had. He has it all: the skill, the experience, the empathy, and the ability to make you feel like you’re talking with your best friend instead of a therapist. Before Chad I never had that in a therapist. He’s been incredibly helpful to me the last few months, and I’m grateful for him.
Chad has been a life changer for me. Through his help, I was able to see how much darkness was surrounding me & he helped lead me to the light. I am so grateful for finding Chad Spencer. He truly is an “earth angel”. I recommend Better Help & especially Chad….you will find your way out of the dark to a much happier, rewarding life!
He’s great
Chad has been amazing! He is very smart and gets right to the point.
Awesome listener!
The best thing about chad is he’s not a super serious therapist he makes you feel comfortable and is pretty comical. Things don’t always have to be so tense with hun and that’s the best part!
Chad is easy to talk to and provides a lot of insight. I really appreciate our conversations as it’s provided a new outlook for me.
Very responsive, supportive, and helpful for my recovery efforts!