Dezerae Nash-Spacek, LPC-MHSP, NCC

My goal as a therapist is to help people feel empowered and hopeful while dealing with life's daily struggles. Life can be so challenging-- the never-ending to-do list, the loved ones that need our help and support, the work or career we have chosen (or settled for). Therapy is a much-needed break in the week to reflect, reconnect and decide what is working and what isn't. Sometimes we need to learn more about ourselves. Sometimes we need to learn more about a situation. Sometimes we just need to be heard, understood and accepted. Therapy is a space to learn and grow. That could mean learning how to say no to obligations when it is best for us - even when we feel guilty, it could mean learning how to calm down when emotions (anxiety, fear, anger, etc.) are activated, or it could mean learning how to communicate more effectively - so we feel more heard and understood by those around us. I work collaboratively and believe in autonomy and inner wisdom. My approach is to use my training, research and intuition to help people live more comfortably in an often times uncomfortable world.

Whether you are a stay at home parent, a c-level executive, a student, an attorney, a creative, self-employed, a barista or an IT pro-- chances are I have worked with one or more of your peers. In this fast-paced, information-overloaded society we live in, we all have stress that takes its toll on our sense of well being. Therapy is an excellent opportunity to provide ourselves support and respite.

My specialty areas include anxiety, worklife or schoollife balance, parenting skills training and stress management. I teach people skills to handle life stress and uncomfortable emotions.

So many people hesitate about seeking the self-care that can be provided by going to therapy. It is important to note that therapy looks different depending on the issues brought forth and the relationship between the therapist and the client. Sometimes therapy looks like a seminar where therapist and client work together to understand a specific topic (such as understanding how anxiety affects the mind and body). Other times it looks like two people talking on a deeper level about what truly matters in life (such as: why does my coworker act like that? or what is my purpose? or why are my kids jerks sometimes? or how can I stop freaking out about every little thing?). It takes courage to ask questions, to be vulnerable, to explore our own thoughts, feelings and behaviors-- to change. Counseling gives you an opportunity to be courageous and express your thoughts and feelings about your life experience, openly with a supportive fellow human being.