Elliot Spengler, PhD
Licensed Psychologist, State of New York (#025501)
Training: Dr. Elliot S. Spengler earned his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Dr. Spengler completed his MA degree in clinical mental health counseling from Ball State University. He completed his predoctoral internship at University of Virginia’s Counseling and Psychological Services and his two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry in the Integrated Care Family Track. During his postdoctoral fellowship, he received a post-degree certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy/Medical Family Therapy.
Clinical Expertise: Dr. Spengler has a generalist training that allows him to work with individuals with a wide variety of presenting issues, especially trauma and relationship issues. He has received training in a substance use rehabilitation center, a community health clinic, university counseling centers, and an academic medical center. Dr. Spengler is trained in a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. Dr. Spengler approaches therapy from a holistic, biopsychosocial perspective tailored to the couple and/or individual’s unique circumstances and backgrounds. At Genesee Valley Psychology and Meridian Practice, Dr. Spengler provides treatment for trauma, anxiety/depression, OCD, family therapy, and couple therapy.
Approach: Dr. Spengler strives to co-create a therapeutic space that is affirmative, inclusive, respectful, and critically conscious. Dr. Spengler approaches therapy from a person-centered and relationally-oriented perspective where therapy is about co-creating a safe and collaborative environment to promote change. His therapy is informed by evidence-based perspectives including emotion-focused, attachment-based, acceptance and commitment therapy, and feminist principles all grounded in the client’s unique sociocultural background and lived experiences.
Diversity & Inclusion: Dr. Spengler is committed to acknowledging and understanding the unique background and lived experiences of each client. He seeks to approach work and life from a lens of cultural humility which means continually seeking consultation and engaging in self-reflection. Spengler’s professional endeavors recognize the undeniable harm perpetuated by oppressive institutions toward marginalized populations that limit life choices and opportunities. He believes it is imperative to foster an inclusive environment not only within the therapy room, but also within the community writ large through advocacy, community partnerships, and educational outlets.
Research: Dr. Spengler’s research is grounded in the promotion of mental health equity and affirmative health care through a synergy of science, practice, and advocacy. He strives to use research as a platform to try to narrow observed treatment gaps and increase the quality of mental health care, especially for marginalized populations. His scholarship critically examines psychotherapy research and factors related to mental health equity with a focus on LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ages: Dr. Spengler works with adolescents and adults in individual, couple, and family therapy.