“As a therapist, I strive to help my clients uncover their strengths, cultivate supportive connections, and move through life’s challenges so they can grow into their fullest, most authentic selves.”
What is something that sets you apart as a therapist?
Creativity is an integral part of my clinical practice. As a therapist for teens and young adults, I use creative exercises to support clients in their self-exploration and discover innovate solutions to the challenges they face. I also incorporate storytelling theory into my therapeutic framework.
At their core, stories are about transformation through overcoming adversity. Characters embark on unexpected journeys, encounter obstacles, and learn lessons that ultimately shape and change them. Growth is rarely easy, as change often brings resistance, but transformation becomes possible when characters draw upon their strengths and lean on trusted allies. Meaningful change also requires confronting limiting beliefs about ourselves and the world, and embracing new empowering truths.
I believe therapy follows a similar arc. When individuals seek therapy, they are often navigating a challenge and longing for change. I strive to help my clients uncover their strengths, cultivate supportive connections, and move through life’s challenges so they can grow into their fullest, most authentic selves.
What are your hobbies and passions?
As an artistic and creative person, I am passionate about stories, design and visual arts. I write fiction that explores various topics about the human experience, including stories about finding our place in the world. I also paint watercolors as a hobby.
Fun Fact: I was a background actor for various TV and film productions in NYC, including Law and Order!
Why did you become a therapist?
I have always been fascinated by human psychology and behavior. I want to understand why we think and behave in the ways that we do, and how we can heal and thrive as our authentic selves. This curiosity led me to major in psychology as an undergraduate student at St. John’s University, and to volunteer with underserved communities through New York Cares’ educational programs. During my graduate studies at Fordham University, I focused on child, adolescent and young adult development and mental health. These are poignant developmental stages of our lives that often come with growing pains. Teens and young adults deserve to feel seen, heard, empowered and supported as they grow.
Moreover, when I was a teenager I often felt nervous in social situations and was labeled shy and quiet by others. Because of this, I became passionate about helping young people who struggle with shyness and social anxiety recognize their strengths and feel empowered to be themselves.
What’s your favorite part about being a therapist?
My relationship with my clients. I enjoy getting to know the teens and young adults that I work with. My style of relating is one that prioritizes safety and comfortability through active listening, reflecting and clear communication. I have learned that connection is possible when we feel safe to be vulnerable, are seen and understood. Even if we’re chatting about your favorite TV show or a tough challenge in your life, my goal is to create a space where my clients can express themselves. I also feel drawn to empower others by highlighting their strengths. When life’s challenges arise, sometimes a reminder of our resilience can be the key to move forward.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in supporting teens and young adults struggling with various challenges including:
- anxiety
- obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors
- issues socializing
- inattention and motivation issues
- self-esteem difficulties
- school-related problems
- creative blocks
Additionally, I am experienced in working with young people of diverse backgrounds, particularly first-generation Americans and immigrants. As a first-generation American and a daughter of immigrants, I bring both professional and lived experience to my work helping families
What is your experience?
I am a licensed clinical social worker, which means that I am educated and trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through a social work framework and ethics. After obtaining my Masters in Social Work in NYC from Fordham University, I worked and trained as a child, adolescent and young adult therapist for over five years in Bellevue Hospital, The Children’s Aid and other behavioral health agencies throughout NYC.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), foundational Eye-Movement and Desensitization Therapy (EMDR), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) among other evidence-based treatments through the Mental Health Service Corps. My therapeutic style is eclectic, incorporating trauma-informed techniques from various evidence-based treatments. The client-therapist relationship is the foundation of my work.
To learn more about the therapists at Spencer’s Therapy Practice, visit our Therapists page. If you are interested in our therapy services and feel Shantal Placido, LCSW may be a good fit for you, please email us at spencerstherapypractice@gmail.com or click the green “Contact Us” button at the upper right hand corner of the page.
Author: Shantal Placido, LCSW
