I'm glad you're here on my page. Help is a hard thing to ask for and you're already showing great strength by reaching out! Even if you don't get your help from me, you're in the right place! Clinically and personally, I bring a broad range of experience. I believe that the connection between the therapist and the client is the number one tool in counseling, and I am skillful at building trusting relationships. I have been working in the mental health field since 2003 and have been practicing therapy since 2011 . Currently, I am working with youth ages 5-18, and occasionally some adults, providing individual and group therapy. The youth and adults that I'm working with have experienced various types of trauma. My treatment will consist of finding out what will work best for you. That might look like providing solution focused therapy, crisis intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or even mindfulness techniques. I have also worked with clients experiencing depression, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship issues. Previously, I worked in a locked correctional facility in Colorado where I specialized in crisis therapy with the clients that were acutely suicidal, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of severe and persistent mental illness.
I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology in 2003, from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD (My favorite city in SD!) and graduated with my Master of Social Work in 2010, from Newman University in Colorado Springs, CO (My favorite city in CO!). I am licensed in the State of South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP).
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.
I love what I do and am excited to join the movement of online counseling!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Communication problems, First responder issues, Self-harm
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
SD CSW-PIP 3415
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jessica Shaffer. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I highly value my time with Jessica! She helped me a great deal process through a lot of family stress and trauma and has a very friendly respectful attitude that allowed me to feel very comfortable inside just a couple sessions
Written on Oct 06, 2020 after therapy with Jessica for 3 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I appreciated Jessica's thoughtful and understanding answers to my questions and concerns. I felt that she was relatable and non-judgmental. I also valued her expertise and it helped me sort through my issues much better than I could on my own.
Written on Jun 10, 2020 after therapy with Jessica for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Jessica is one of the first counselors I've ever had who I feel really "clicks" with me. She's kind, funny, and does a great job making you feel comfortable and at ease. She feels like a true friend, and I really look forward to all of our sessions. Jessica is amazing!
Written on Jul 02, 2019 after therapy with Jessica for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and relationship issues
Jessica has been a wonderful counselor. She’s caring, understanding, listens to your needs/problems and shares her input. She has been helpful so far in my counseling.
Written on Jul 25, 2018 after therapy with Jessica for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt
Very good counselor.
Written on Feb 05, 2018 after therapy with Jessica for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger, career, and bipolar
Jessica manages to be extremely kind and supportive all while helping me become the best version of myself that I can be. Thanks, Jessica!
Written on Oct 04, 2017 after therapy with Jessica for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping, self esteem, and career