Hi, I’m Aneka Spencer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving clients in Illinois. 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 walks alongside you in creating meaningful change—you’re in the right place. I work with adults who want to reduce negative thinking, improve self-esteem, and feel more emotionally balanced. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or high levels of stress—or simply need a safe, supportive space to process what they’re going through. I offer free initial meetings because I believe the therapist-client connection is essential for meaningful work. We can schedule a brief 15–20 minute video call via Google Meet so you can get a feel for 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 an intake assessment, which 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 or life transitions. I work well with individuals who are learning to reclaim their voice, reconnect with their strengths, and move forward with confidence. My approach is collaborative and goal-oriented, helping clients identify what’s working and build on it to create meaningful, sustainable change.
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.