Tracey-Ann Spencer

Dr. Tracey-Ann Spencer, Ph.D., LMFT, is an Assistant Professor within the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM), in the Department of Couple and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of the West Indies, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and a second Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy—both from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Biblical Studies from the International University of Biblical Studies and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Spencer completed the Tavistock Workshop on Conflict Management: Overt and Covert Dynamics and has served as a trainer for the program. Her clinical practice is informed by Bowen Family Systems Theory’s concept of Differentiation of Self, Emotional Intelligence, and Differentiated Intelligent Emotions—a term she coined—along with Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

She has provided individual, couples, family, and group therapy in both residential and inpatient treatment settings, addressing issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and various mental health challenges. Dr. Spencer has also offered therapeutic support to children grieving the loss of a loved one, children with craniofacial abnormalities, and those experiencing cognitive, affective, and behavioral dysfunctions, disabilities, and impairments. She has conducted anti-bullying training for middle school students as well.

Her professional certifications include Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and the American Council on Education, Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Bereavement and Childbearing Families. Dr. Spencer has presented at local and international conferences, seminars, workshops, retreats, churches, and guest lectures.

Research Focus

Her research interests include factors that impact personal and professional development, codependent and enabling parent child relationships, Bowen Family Systems Theory, Caribbean families, differentiation of self and intellectual and professional achievements, emotional intelligence, the family, human relationships and systems, mindfulness and mediation for health, trauma treatment, factors that create a successful and high-quality marital relationship, human growth and development.