Spela Bertoncelj, LCSW

Spela Bertoncelj is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Montana who brings four years of clinical experience to her work with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, and challenges with self-esteem and motivation. She approaches each person with respect for their expertise in their own life and aims to build on existing strengths to navigate difficult transitions and recurring patterns.

Her style emphasizes collaboration and practical skills, helping individuals develop tools to manage strong emotions, rebuild confidence, and make meaningful changes. Spela acknowledges that starting therapy takes courage and strives to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their goals, process painful experiences, and practice new ways of coping.

Whether someone is seeking short-term help to address a specific problem or longer-term support for deeper issues, Spela focuses on clear goals and achievable steps that fit each person’s values and pace. She offers flexible options for meeting and works with clients internationally, aiming to make therapy accessible to those ready to begin their next step toward growth.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Spela Bertoncelj

Spela integrates Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her online practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship and helping people identify their own goals - it is useful for those needing empathy, validation, and a safe space to explore feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical strategies to change emotions and behaviors - it is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and mood challenges.

She also uses elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when clients struggle with intense emotions or impulsivity. DBT offers concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, and can be tailored to fit short-term skill-building or longer-term work. Determining the best approach is collaborative - Spela works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then adapts techniques to create a personalized plan.

Online therapy with Spela is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, maintain continuity during life changes, and access licensed professionals from a distance.