Amy Shafer, LCSW
California LCSW focused on relationships and transitions
- Stress and anxiety
- Family and relationship work
- Geriatric and adult transitions
About Amy Shafer
Amy Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with three decades of clinical experience. She earned degrees in Psychology and Human Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1989 and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from San Diego State University in 1991, and has held her California LCSW credential since 1994. Over thirty years of work across settings and age groups have shaped a versatile approach to care.
Amy has focused much of her recent work on adults and geriatric clients, offering support for depression, anxiety, stress, family conflict, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and life-stage adjustments. Her practice emphasizes family systems, relationship repair, interpersonal recovery, and practical problem solving for everyday stressors. She brings clinical tools from multiple therapeutic models to address intimacy-related issues, addictions, parenting concerns, sleeping problems, compassion fatigue, and a range of other challenges.
With extensive experience in varied clinical environments, Amy approaches each case with an open mind and a toolkit of evidence-informed strategies. She aims to partner with individuals and families who are seeking competent professional help, tailoring interventions to the needs and goals of those she serves.
Amy has focused much of her recent work on adults and geriatric clients, offering support for depression, anxiety, stress, family conflict, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and life-stage adjustments. Her practice emphasizes family systems, relationship repair, interpersonal recovery, and practical problem solving for everyday stressors. She brings clinical tools from multiple therapeutic models to address intimacy-related issues, addictions, parenting concerns, sleeping problems, compassion fatigue, and a range of other challenges.
With extensive experience in varied clinical environments, Amy approaches each case with an open mind and a toolkit of evidence-informed strategies. She aims to partner with individuals and families who are seeking competent professional help, tailoring interventions to the needs and goals of those she serves.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Amy Shafer have?
Amy Shafer has 30 years of experience in social work and clinical practice.
Is Amy Shafer a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license is CA LCSW 16945.
In which languages does Amy Shafer provide therapy?
Amy Shafer provides therapy in English.
Where is Amy Shafer located?
She is located in California.
How can I work with Amy Shafer as my therapist?
You can work with Amy Shafer through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Amy Shafer work with international clients?
Amy Shafer does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Amy Shafer cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and emotions without spending all their energy fighting them, and then identify values-driven actions to move forward. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, grief, and life transitions where acceptance and purposeful action are needed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It is practical and skills-oriented, often used for depression, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, and coping with challenging situations.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a compassionate, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist follows the client’s pace and priorities, supporting self-discovery and personal growth. This approach is helpful for building self-esteem, exploring relationship and family issues, and navigating identity-related concerns.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Amy Shafer works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled by video call or phone, and shorter or in-between contacts can take place via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care around work, caregiving, mobility, or geographic constraints, while ensuring that licensed professionals and therapists remain accessible when support is needed.