Therapist profile
Amy Shafer, LCSW
California
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Relationships and Mood
Continue with AmyWhere Amy stands
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, California / 16945
- NPI
- 1356411888
- Experience
- 30 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
About
- Depression and anxiety
- Family systems work
- Mindfulness and ACT
About Amy
Amy Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 30 years of experience. She trained in psychology and human development and completed a Master of Social Work focused on clinical practice. She works with adults and older adults on problems like depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and relationship strain.
Her current work emphasizes family systems and interpersonal recovery. She helps people talk through family conflict, manage reactions after trauma or loss, and problem-solve the stressors that come with life transitions. She also supports people facing addictions, chronic illness, caregiving strain, and intimacy-related concerns.
Sessions tend to focus on practical tools and clear steps. She draws on methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness practices. That means helping people notice patterns, try small behavioral shifts, and practice new ways of relating to themselves and others.
Amy has long experience with aging and geriatric issues and with caregivers. She also addresses codependency, family of origin problems, communication and control issues, and commitment or avoidance patterns. Her background includes work across settings and with many age groups, which she brings to one-on-one meetings.
People who reach out can expect a straightforward approach that mixes conversation with specific coping strategies. Before booking, confirm current session formats and scheduling options to make sure they fit your routine.
How sessions work
How her therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Amy uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify their values and take small, meaningful actions even when thoughts or feelings are difficult. ACT is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress related to relationships or life change.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test new behaviors. CBT helps with symptoms of anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, and coping after loss. Client-Centered Therapy informs her general stance by focusing on listening and following the client’s priorities rather than imposing a rigid agenda.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what seems manageable. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as needed over time.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know how she is offering sessions. Online work can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when life is hectic, and reduce travel time. Some people find phone or video sessions let them keep therapy consistent around caregiving or work demands, while others prefer a longer in-depth session when possible.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family conflict, trauma and abuse, codependency, addictions, and related issues listed in her profile.
What is her approach in sessions?
She uses practical methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness to help people notice patterns and try new behaviors.
How much experience does she have?
She has practiced for 30 years, including extensive work with adults and with geriatric concerns and caregiving stress.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.