Hello! I’m Spencer and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Candidate (LMFT). I received my bachelor’s degree in human & social development and psychology from the University of Miami in Florida and completed my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy here in Fort Collins from CSU in 2023. I specialize in working with clients experiencing difficulties in their relationships, sexuality, and identity exploration. I am particularly passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent populations, in addition to those practicing polyamory/non-monogamy.
As a sex and relationship therapist, I prioritize creating a welcoming space for all (particularly marginalized populations) to safely explore their relationships, sexuality, and overall well-being. Although I have specialized training and enjoy working with couples and relationship systems, I also love working with individual clients. My goal for all of my clients is to engage in fulfilling relationship(s), learn more about themselves, and to gather tools for effective coping and communication as they navigate life stressors and day to day challenges. In my work with all clients, I ensure to take a systemic approach in how I get to know and provide support to them. All of our experiences, values, and actions are a result of the systems we live in. These systems include our relationships (such as our friends, partners, and family) and broader contexts (such as our culture, identities, and community). To understand ourselves, heal from the past, and create meaning for the future, we must explore the impact and meaning of these systems—which will be different for everyone.
In addition to a systems perspective, I use techniques from Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Internal Family System (IFS), Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic Therapy. For relational clients I draw heavily from Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. As well as these modalities and clinical lenses, I am known to bring my humanness and humor into my sessions.I prioritize taking a client-led approach to therapy—meaning that I work collaboratively with clients to set and achieve their therapy goals, always meet clients where they are at, and take a uniquely tailored approach with every person that I have the privilege of working with. I do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach. I recognize and value that everyone has a story that is uniquely theirs. I ensure that I take the time to hear clients’ stories and cherish their individuality.
As research has shown that the therapeutic relationship between a client and their therapist is one of the most important factors of therapy, I want to share with you some of my story and identities that influence how I may show up in the therapy room. My areas of expertise and passions stem directly from my personal experiences and identities. As a queer, trans non-binary, and neurodivergent person, I have spent many years in my own therapy to unmask and unlearn how I was socialized to be as an AFAB person, and gain the confidence to exist as my queerest and most authentic self. I spent many years of life trying to “fit in” and appear normal until I realized that in doing so I was constantly dimming myself, disengaging from my true passions, and relating to others in a way that sought acceptance rather than realness (a recipe for unhappiness and dissatisfaction). I know that this experience is not uncommon, especially for other AFAB, autistic, and/or queer folx. This is a large factor in my desire to help others exist as their most authentic selves and be able to provide support as they change and grow (and change and grow again and again as we are ever evolving beings). Although I know others can relate to parts of my experiences, I acknowledge that everyone’s experiences will be different, and I strive to honor your experience and identities regardless of how similar or different they may be from mine.
If you are looking for a therapist to help you with concerns related to relationships, sex, communication, sexuality and gender identity, neurodiversity, navigating non-monogamy, identity exploration, self-esteem, and living authentically, I may be a good fit for you. Thank you for considering me to work alongside you to reach your goals, I hope that I have the privilege of hearing your story. When I am not working with my incredible clients, I am usually spending time with my partner and our two lovely cats, watching a movie, or listening to music (95% chance it's Chappell Roan). I am an avid enjoyer of all art forms and am often experimenting with makeup and painting in my free time. I love to bring a little bit of disco wherever I go and probably have some form of glitter on my face when I am not at work. In short, you can find me spending time with animals, immersed in art, and living as my queerest most authentic self.