Meet Eric Spiegel—Therapist at Best Therapists

Eric Spiegel, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Pennsylvania, who is also PSYPACT credentialed for interstate telehealth. Eric is a Fellow and Past-President of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and co-author of 'Attachment in Group Psychotherapy', published by the American Psychological Association (APA). Eric works with adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. He enjoys helping his clients recognize, develop, and master their inner strengths and resources to deal with a number of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and physical somatic symptoms. His relational approach is influenced by attachment theory and self psychology; he also enjoys integrating experiential techniques such as clinical hypnosis into therapy, as applicable. Clients describe Eric as possessing a calm, consistent, and curious demeanor that allows them to feel understood and build self-awareness. They also note that he brings a sense of energy and humor to the room that is active, engaging, and present. This combination allows him to be direct and interactive with clients while maintaining a soothing and collaborative empathic connection.

My experience has taught me the importance of staying attuned to what’s happening in the room. Sometimes that means paying close attention to the content of what my client is telling me – trying to highlight themes or make observations or interpretations that cultivate reflection and insight. But even more importantly this might mean paying attention to our process: noticing a subtle non-verbal reaction in my client that could lead to a cathartic and transformative emotion; or becoming aware of a fleeting but significant gut reaction I’m having which might help me tune into a feeling or experience that my client is having difficulty connecting with. Therapy is all about staying present in ‘the spaces in between’ and making connections which lead to growth and meaning. A great metaphor for the work is the focusing process of a microscope. Some people are disconnected and out of focus; they need help tuning into what it is like to “be” with themselves. Others are too zoomed in and hypervigilant; these people need help learning how to step back and take perspective, e.g. ‘see the big picture’ more effectively. Through my own nonverbal and verbal attunement to your experience, I will help you learn how to more effectively self-direct your attention and be with yourself in a healthier way. Our interpersonal process of attunement leads to internalization and self-mastery.

Ph.D. Counseling Psychology | University of Maryland, 2005; M.A, Counseling Psychology | University of Maryland, 2003