Thomas Spence AMFT
My Path and Passion
A Glimpse Into My Journey
Hello, my name is Thomas Spence, I have my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Challenging work environments and internships have enriched my time as a therapist in my journey of professional growth and personal fulfillment. My experiences have honed my skills and deepened my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. I am registered as an AMFT with the California Board of Behavior Science.
Professional Endeavors and Therapeutic Approach
In my roles, I provide empathetic support and specialized care to a diverse client base, including individuals and families facing bereavement, trauma, and severe mental illnesses. My therapeutic practice is rooted in a holistic, evidence-based approach, incorporating a variety of techniques tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. My approach includes:
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Client-Centered Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Expressive Arts Therapy
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Bowen Family Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Completion of Gottman Level 1 & 2
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EMDR
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Narrative Therapy
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Emotion-Focused Therapy
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Treating Affairs & Trauma Certified by the Gottman Institue
Certifications
Driven by Purpose
Driven by a profound purpose, my aspiration to make a meaningful impact within the therapy field is deeply rooted in my experiences and the lessons learned from working at the crossroads of diverse cultures and confronting the realities of severe mental illness. Working at the Jary Barreto Crisis Center, Hospice of the North Coast, and Maria Sardinas Wellness Recovery Center has shaped my approach to mental health care, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in therapeutic practices. Throughout my journey, I have been shown a vast array of people's stories and struggles, making it clear that, as a therapist, I have to meet the needs of my clients.
My experiences have made it abundantly clear that therapy must be a flexible, dynamic process tailored to the evolving needs of each person. It has taught me that successful therapeutic outcomes hinge on the therapist's ability to adjust and innovate, ensuring that care is both accessible and resonant with each client's unique life story.
My work at the border has enhanced my cultural competence and fueled me with a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for systemic changes. I am driven by the conviction that mental health services should be equitable, inclusive, and culturally attuned, reflecting and respecting the rich diversity of the communities they serve. The resilience and strength I've witnessed in individuals facing mental health challenges in the face of adversity are inspiring. They motivate me to strive for a future where mental health care is a right afforded to all, devoid of barriers and enriched by a deep understanding of cultural nuances.
As I continue on my professional journey, I am committed to embodying these principles, championing the cause of culturally sensitive care, and advocating for the systemic transformations necessary to make mental health care universally accessible and effective. My purpose is clear: to be an agent of change in the field of therapy, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or challenges, has access to the compassionate, personalized, and respectful care they deserve.