ABOUT DR. VICTOR SPATAFORA
Dr. Spatafora is a licensed clinical psychologist with a decade of experience in therapy, working with adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples. He is well-versed in assisting those dealing with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, parenting challenges, relationship issues, substance abuse, anger, and stress-related symptoms. His expertise extends to grief and loss, social anxiety, phobias, PTSD, codependency, assertiveness issues, and procrastination.
Dr. Spatafora has served in diverse environments, including outpatient clinics, schools, community mental health centers, and long-term care facilities. He employs an evidence-based treatment approach, primarily through cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping individuals understand the impact of automatic negative thoughts on mood and motivation.
Dr. Spatafora aids patients in recognizing and disputing these negative thoughts to prevent them from exacerbating depression or anxiety. He is also skilled in teaching relaxation and anger management techniques, such as deep breathing and systematic desensitization. His postdoctoral training provided him with significant experience in assisting adolescents with school adjustment, substance abuse, low self-esteem, bullying, and behavioral issues. Moreover, Dr. Spatafora holds a fine arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and incorporates art therapy into his practice.
Dr. Spatafora's therapeutic philosophy highlights the innate ability of individuals to lead authentic lives with less stress. He is dedicated to helping patients harness their strengths to foster positive self-change and growth throughout life's various stages.
