Need help now? See crisis phone numbers

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Arthur (AJ) Spoerner

Therapist

Arthur (AJ) Spoerner

LCSW

Indiana · 20+ years of experience

Compassionate practical therapy for daily challenges

Continue with Arthur

Opens BetterHelp in a new tab. There you can look at online therapy options.

Step 1

  • 20 years experience
  • LCSW in Indiana
  • Audio and video only

About Arthur

Arthur (AJ) Spoerner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Indiana with 20 years of clinical experience. He works with adults and adolescents who have struggled with complex trauma, impulsivity, anger, and ADHD. AJ focuses on offering practical strategies aimed at easing symptoms that get in the way of daily life.

He has particular experience supporting people facing chronic pain, long-term illness, disability, and distress related to cancer treatment. AJ also addresses end-of-life concerns and the stress caregivers face. His background shapes an approach that balances problem-solving with emotional support.

In sessions AJ helps identify unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that drive behavior. He uses tools and exercises drawn from several therapeutic approaches to build coping skills and reduce distress. Sessions are straightforward and goal-oriented, with attention to what clients can use between meetings.

AJ offers audio and video counseling only, and schedules sessions on Tuesday through Friday evenings. Initial sessions run 45 minutes and follow-up sessions are 30 minutes. He checks messages once daily, typically in the evening, and responds to messages left after 8:30 pm the next day.

The therapeutic work is collaborative and paced to each person’s needs. AJ aims to meet people where they are and help them move toward clearer thinking, better self-management, and more effective coping in daily life.

Step 2

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Psychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Indiana

Languages

English

Step 3

How these approaches guide online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate actions. It focuses on identifying personal values and taking steps that align with those values, which can help when dealing with grief, chronic illness, or ongoing stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is about finding and changing unhelpful thinking patterns. It uses clear, practical exercises and homework to reduce anxiety, depression, and problems with impulse control.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can be useful for intense emotions, anger, and problems with impulsivity.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. This often means trying a few techniques and adjusting as progress is made.

If you are considering online therapy with this clinician, confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. He has stated he provides audio and video counseling only. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into an evening schedule, allow for shorter follow-up check-ins, and remove time spent traveling to appointments. For people managing chronic illness or caregiving duties, remote sessions can be a practical way to keep regular contact with a licensed professional.

Step 4

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does this therapist address?

He helps with trauma and abuse, grief, anger, depression, ADHD, stress, anxiety, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting stress, self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.

What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?

The approach is practical and collaborative. He uses strategies from several methods to identify unhelpful thoughts and build coping skills that clients can use between sessions.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 20 years of experience working with adults and adolescents, especially those who have experienced complex trauma, impulsivity, anger issues, and ADHD.

What are his credentials and where is he located?

He holds the LCSW credential and practices from Indiana.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are used?

He provides audio and video counseling only. Confirm current session options before booking.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Step 5

Your next step

If this is for you

  • Check that the location and license details fit where you live.
  • Write down one or two things you want to talk about.
  • Take your time. You can read other profiles first.

If you are helping someone

  • Read this page together, at a pace that suits them.
  • Ask what they think about this therapist.
  • Let the person make the choice.
Arthur (AJ) SpoernerContinue with Arthur