Amy Shafer , LCSW

Amy Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with decades of experience supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. She earned degrees in Psychology and Human Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1989 and a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University in 1991, and she has been licensed as a clinical social worker in California since 1994. Her LCSW credential indicates advanced clinical training and the ability to provide psychotherapy and practical support to people facing life challenges.

Amy has worked extensively over the past 30 years with clients of all ages and has more recently focused on adult and geriatric individuals and families. Her clinical work addresses a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, family conflict, trauma and abuse, adjustments to life stages, and grief and loss. She approaches each situation with a systems-minded perspective, helping clients explore family dynamics, relationships, and interpersonal recovery while offering concrete tools for coping with life stressors.

Known for an open-minded, compassionate stance developed through decades of practice, Amy aims to be a collaborative member of a client’s support network. She brings pragmatic problem solving and a variety of therapeutic techniques to help people navigate transitions and rebuild resilience in daily life.

Approaches and Online Care with a Licensed Therapist

Amy integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into her online practice to meet a variety of needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present - it is often useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and a nonjudgmental stance so clients can explore their experiences and find solutions that feel authentic; this approach supports relationship issues and emotional processing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, providing practical tools for depression, anxiety, and coping with daily challenges.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work together. Amy collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and she adapts techniques as progress is made. This collaborative process helps tailor care to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and additional support can come through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations.