Susan Shafer , LCMHC, LPC

Susan Shafer is a licensed counselor with LCMHC and LPC credentials and a Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With 15 years of clinical experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families across a variety of settings. Her practice focuses on a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, stress, grief, relationship and family issues, ADHD, bipolar disorder, addictions, sleep difficulties, parenting and career challenges, and other mood and life-transition concerns.

Shafer uses an eclectic, client-centered approach that blends established psychotherapy methods with wellness practices. She frequently draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques to help clients increase awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to develop practical coping skills. She also integrates mind-body approaches such as yoga and Emotional Freedom Techniques, often called tapping; she is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor and an accredited, certified EFT practitioner through EFTi, and she encourages clients to consider these tools as complements to talk therapy.

Her work emphasizes building a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people can connect with inner strengths and identify realistic goals. Sessions may include psychoeducation, breath and movement practices, and skills-based strategies tailored to each person. For more information about services, visit shafer.services.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Susan Shafer commonly applies client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the person leads the pace and goals of treatment and explores personal strengths and values. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, and is often used for anxiety, depression, and mood challenges. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple attention skills to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, which can help with stress, grief, and trauma-related symptoms.

Deciding which methods to use is part of the therapeutic process. Shafer works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, adjusting techniques over time so the approach fits the individual rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy with Susan can include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited local options. These formats make it easier to continue regular sessions, practice skills between meetings, and access support from licensed professionals without frequent travel.