Racial Identity Therapists in Lawrence, NY

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Some might find it difficult to find the emotional courage to seek psychotherapy when you are already dealing with a quagmire of complex competing loyalties, identities, and personal and political conflicts. Whether you are dealing with the stress of racial identity, cultural integration, concerns related to fertility, substance abuse, or transitions throughout the life cycle, this process does not have to be an isolative experience. Carrying around those frustrations with nowhere to process them can further exacerbate difficulties in daily activities.

You are just as important to your communities as your communities are to you. This framework grounds the work I do. Western concepts of healing have historically enforced rigid individualism as the ideal way of life. However, I believe that understanding who you are, as both an individual and community member, makes space for your more nuanced, wholesome, and expansive narrative. My work with clients focuses on being present with emotions, navigating individual and collective traumas, reconnecting to your physical body, and empowering healing and joy. I'm hoping for healing and liberation for us all!

As an empathetic helping professional, I acknowledge the Black and Blue experience, literally and metaphorically speaking, and the experience of Black bodies subjected to oppressive conditions. There exists contextual and historical racial wounds and trauma experienced, with a contemporary focus on aggressive policing, oppression, and intersectionality holding multiple identities. While trained in traditional psychotherapy and clinical approaches, I do/can depart from traditional modalities to engage in anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks to begin the authentic healing and personal liberation for people of color.

As a therapist, I enjoy watching my clients grow in compassion for themselves as they move towards more fulfilling lives. I find myself deeply privileged to witness my client’s journeys and am inspired by their resilience. I work with clients on issues of emerging adulthood, identity, race, acculturation, issues around one's sense of self, complex trauma, and emotion regulation.

Asking for help can be both hard and uncomfortable for many people. Doing so, however, presents an opportunity to find support and relief from stress and overwhelm that has become increasingly difficult to manage alone. Together, we’ll take inventory of challenges and needs, and work to find your unique path forward.

Like the mythical Phoenix which arises anew from its ashes, we each have the capacity to survive, and emerge stronger from our difficulties, life circumstances, personal and professional setbacks and even tragedy. Therapy is often a vital tool in finding our way back from or out of situations that overwhelm us. A therapist and coach, with over 20 years of experience and training, I have worked effectively with adolescents, adults, families, young professionals, and groups; addressing issues inclusive of depression and anxiety, trauma, addiction and recovery, parent-child conflict, emotional/behavioral disruptions, life and career transitions, gender, sexuality, and spirituality.

I'm dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic, and relaxed environment where you can embark on your therapeutic journey. Rooted in the belief that you are the expert in your own life, my role is to walk beside you as you discover and embrace your most authentic self. While working with me you will learn skills and insight to embrace your authentic self in a way that feels most true to you. I prioritize creating a space where you feel heard, respected, and free to express yourself without judgment. Together, we'll explore the issues and concerns that matter to you, and we'll work at a pace that's comfortable and effective for you.

I am dedicated to helping you develop an identity of your own choosing that integrates healthy, flexible thinking and self-compassion. I enjoy working with teens and adults, with particular focus on empowering young men, supporting parents, and assisting the bereaved. I have a strength in supporting parents and couples who are navigating family and relationship issues. I approach my work with intentionality. I am guided by strong values around empathy, community, and resilience.

My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and cultural sensitivity. Each person's journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet the specific needs of my clients. My goal is to empower individuals to find their inner strength, resilience, and healing by helping individuals break free from the patterns that have been passed down through generations and empower them to lead more fulfilling lives. I believe that by understanding and embracing your individuality, you can unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing.

We are presently accepting new patients. Dr. Spooner sees you in your highest emanation, doing what you came here to do, and she provides practices for you to achieve this. For those who are inclined, she can incorporate a holistic and/or spirit-based focus. In her capacity as a psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience, she can help you with a broad range of issues including: Developing your business/career, depression, stress, and anxiety, the need for support in achieving your goals, relationship conflicts, the search for a mate, and children's behavioral and emotional challenges. (Insurance information below.)

Frustrated, stuck, or unfulfilled in an area of your life? You're not alone. Amid a global pandemic, along with the current social and political climate, knowing how to begin healing can be a challenge. Life is complicated and it can be difficult to reach out to gain the support and encouragement that you need to succeed. But don’t worry, I’ll be your ally on this journey - supporting and helping you along the way. As a Black male therapist in NYC, I specialize in working with individuals & couples, who at times feel powerless and are often marginalized - including immigrants, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Do you want to explore the identities and experiences that impact how you move through the world? I am a queer, Black-biracial, first-generation American living in Brooklyn, and I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, grounded and whole. In a society that capitalizes on passive acceptance, connection, laughter, tears, and authenticity are radical acts. I am particularly interested in working with clients who have felt othered: this could mean that you experience your identities as fluid and you feel the pressure of society trying to fit you into a box. I am a therapist because I want you to feel loved, just as you are.

It can be really daunting to start therapy with a new person. Whether it’s the anxiety of opening up to a stranger, or feeling afraid of judgment; starting anew creates a lot of uncertainty and new challenges. No matter what the reasons are, they are completely valid, and if you allow me, I am here to help you every step of the way.

Do you feel like you are just "pushing through it" every day rather than living your best life? Do you feel misunderstood by others or even struggle to understand and accept yourself? Have feelings of stress, loneliness, anxiety, and depression been overwhelming your life? Maybe you aren't entirely sure what it is you need, but you know you want more for yourself. Whether you are coming to therapy to explore your identity, process difficult emotions, improve your relationships, or just to have a space where you know that you come first, you can be sure that you are in the right place.

Emotional difficulties can make us feel stuck, but there is hope. As a licensed clinical social worker, I strive to create an affirming and non-judgmental space where you feel heard and supported. I have worked with many people facing various life challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and mood instability. I balance the use of skills training, problem solving, and validation to help others on their path to building a value-based life. I believe in the uniqueness of each person's experiences and tailor my approach to meet their individual needs.

In a session together we will shift feelings of overwhelmed, stress and any adjustment, transition concerns with tenderness, and engaged compassion. We are present with your range of emotions, in an open, curious, empathetic expansive space and we aim to tap into your innate wisdom through insight, humor and joy; and if need be actionable steps. I hope that each session will be restorative, empowering, insightful and powerful in aiding you to identify your values and integrating them organically in your life.

Hi, my name’s Nicholas (he/they), and I’m a Latinx, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and queer psychotherapist in NYC. My multicultural upbringing, experiences with immigration, and growing up in a low-income household have not only inspired me to help people who are marginalized because of how they identify, but also those who experience systematic violence. Through diverse lived and clinical experiences, I'm able to help you discover your inner thoughts surrounding identities, relationships, and social issues that affect how you show up in the world.

Serving children, teens and young adults with a range of social emotional and mental health issues using a holistic and strengths-based approach in helping clients to meet their goals.