Jessica Shaffer , CSW-PIP

Jessica Shaffer brings a long history of mental health work to her practice, combining clinical training with hands-on experience across a range of settings. She has worked in the mental health field since 2003 and has been practicing therapy since 2011, focusing primarily on youth ages 5 to 18 while occasionally working with adults in both individual and group formats. Her caseload frequently includes people who have experienced various types of trauma, as well as those facing depression, PTSD, anxiety, relationship challenges, and parenting or career stress.

Shaffer emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the primary tool in counseling and is experienced at building trust and rapport quickly. Her clinical background includes crisis intervention and work in a locked correctional facility in Colorado, where she specialized in crisis therapy with acutely suicidal individuals and the diagnosis and treatment of severe and persistent mental illness. Treatment is individualized and may draw on solution-focused techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, crisis work, or mindfulness strategies depending on what will best meet a client’s needs.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2003 from Black Hills State University and completed a Master of Social Work in 2010 at Newman University. She is licensed in South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP), a designation that indicates a social work license for independent clinical practice. In her free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and being outdoors, and she is enthusiastic about offering care through online counseling.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Trauma and Change Work

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and skill-based, often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress-related concerns. Trauma-Focused Therapy centers on processing and reducing the impact of traumatic events through structured interventions that help manage symptoms and build coping skills. It is commonly used with clients who have experienced abuse, accidents, or other significant trauma. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes clear goals and small, achievable steps toward change, helping clients tap into strengths and identify immediate strategies to improve relationships, parenting challenges, or everyday functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist will work collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaboration guides treatment choices and adjusts techniques as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to attend sessions from home or on the go and can help clients coordinate care around school, work, or family responsibilities. Licensed professionals can deliver the same therapeutic approaches online, allowing for consistent, goal-oriented work without requiring in-person visits.