– ernesto spinelli

My approach to therapy draws upon numerous key theories and theoretical lenses. My clinical training was rooted in systemic-relational theories. This approach highlights the interconnected nature of our lives, seeing problems in a greater context.

Narrative therapy is a systemic theory that highlights the way we construct meaning in our lives through the stories we rehearse. Sometimes key “stories” in our lives might be handed to us by our family of origin, dominant culture. Narrative therapy can you examine problems in your life in context: Where did this idea come from? Who told me I couldn’t do this? What might be the belief or story behind the problem I am experiencing? What was a time where this problem didn’t impact me as much as now?‍ ‍

I often use aspects of solution-focused brief therapy to help clients identify things that are already working for them, even when it perhaps feels like there isn’t anything going their way.

I am influenced by depth psychology, and its emphasis on the ways that Psyche is active in our relationships, including the therapeutic relationship. I also am heavily informed by existentialism, mindfulness, and feminist perspectives.

As a cisgender man of Euro-American and Cuban heritage, I seek to be a therapist that challenges systems of power and supports marginalized voices. I work with and support clients across experiences, socio-economic situations, religions, as well as LGBTQ+ and global majority clients.

Key therapists and thinkers I am influenced by:

Carl Rogers, Irvin Yalom, Carl Jung, bell hooks, Michael White, Emmy van Duerzen, David Epston, Insoo Kim Berg, Viktor Frankl, John & Julie Gottman, Sören Kierkegaard.