(she/her)
Hi, I’m Aneka Spencer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving clients in Illinois, Iowa, Florida, and Kansas. I earned my Master’s degree from Chicago State University in 2011 and have been a social worker for over 10 years, with more than 4 years of experience as a practicing therapist. If you’re looking for a compassionate therapist who truly listens, offers honest insight, and partners with you to create meaningful, lasting change—you’re in the right place. I work with adults who are ready to better understand themselves, manage emotional challenges, and strengthen their inner resilience. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, dealing with anxiety or depression, experiencing high stress, or simply seeking a safe, supportive space to reflect and grow. I offer free initial meetings because I believe that the therapist-client connection is essential to meaningful work. We can schedule a brief 15–20 minute video call via Google Meet so you can get a sense of who I am and how I work. Let’s talk—your healing journey deserves the right support. https://calendly.com/aneka-f-spencer/20min
The first session is typically either a consultation or an intake assessment. An intake assessment helps meet insurance requirements and gives us a foundation for understanding your needs. Even during this more structured session, I aim to ensure you feel heard and in control. Your voice and comfort guide the process — this is your space, and we move at your pace.
With over four years of experience working with adults, I take a strength-based, empathetic, and honest approach to empower my clients. My greatest strength lies in my professional curiosity and ability to build genuine rapport, creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel understood and free to explore their emotions and experiences.
I’m best positioned to support adults who are ready to explore their inner world with honesty and care—especially those navigating self-esteem challenges, anxiety, life transitions, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. I work well with individuals who are learning to reclaim their voice, reconnect with their strengths, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity. My approach is collaborative and goal-oriented, helping clients identify what’s working and build on it to create meaningful, sustainable change. I focus on emotional wellness and personal growth, providing a supportive space for insight, healing, and change. While I deeply respect the complexity of all life experiences, I do not provide legal or court-related services, such as custody evaluations, mediation, or court-mandated therapy. If you're navigating those kinds of challenges, I’m happy to help connect you with providers who specialize in that area.
With experience supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, I use CBT to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that impact their emotions and behaviors. Together, we work on practical tools and strategies that promote healthier thinking and more balanced emotional responses.
Rooted in empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, my approach is grounded in person-centered principles. I create a safe and supportive space where clients feel accepted and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace.
I incorporate somatic awareness into sessions to help clients better understand how emotions and stress are held in the body. Using gentle movement, grounding, and body-focused techniques, I guide clients in reconnecting with their physical selves to support emotional healing and regulation.
In my practice, I integrate mindfulness techniques to help clients become more present and reduce stress and anxiety. Through breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and body awareness, clients learn to respond to life’s challenges with greater calm, clarity, and self-compassion.
I use motivational interviewing to support clients who may feel ambivalent about change. By fostering a collaborative and non-judgmental space, I help clients explore their own motivations, values, and strengths, empowering them to take meaningful steps toward their goals.