Amy Shafer , LCSW

Amy Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with three decades of experience supporting individuals and families through life transitions and complex challenges. She earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Development from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1989 and a Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from San Diego State University in 1991. Since becoming a licensed social worker in California in 1994, she has worked with clients across the lifespan and has more recently focused on adult and geriatric care, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, family conflict, trauma and abuse, adjustment to life stages, and grief and loss.

Her contemporary practice emphasizes family systems, relationships, interpersonal recovery, trauma and loss, and practical problem solving for life stressors. Decades of work in varied settings have shaped an open-minded approach and a broad toolkit of therapeutic methods that can be adapted to the needs of individuals and families. She values partnering with people who are actively seeking professional support and brings a combination of clinical training and real-world experience to help clients navigate change, build coping skills, and strengthen important relationships.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Amy Shafer draws on several well-established therapeutic approaches to guide online work, adapting techniques to fit each client’s situation. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values - it can be useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating space for clients to explore their experiences and strengthen self-esteem and relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Amy works with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time based on progress and feedback. This partnership helps ensure treatment feels relevant and practical.

Online sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it possible to maintain continuity of care during busy or transitional periods and to access licensed professionals from locations across California.