Jessica Shaffer , CSW-PIP

Jessica Shaffer brings a depth of clinical and lived experience to her therapeutic work, combining years in the mental health field with focused clinical practice. She emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the primary tool for change and is experienced at building trusting connections that support healing and growth.

Jessica has worked in behavioral health settings since 2003 and has practiced as a therapist since 2011, including experience providing individual and group therapy to youth ages 5-18 and to some adults. Her caseload has included people who have experienced various forms of trauma, and she tailors treatment to what will work best for each person, drawing from solution-focused techniques, crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral methods, and mindfulness practices as appropriate.

Her background includes clinical work with clients facing depression, PTSD, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and other complex concerns. Earlier in her career she worked in a locked correctional facility in Colorado where she specialized in crisis therapy for individuals who were acutely suicidal and in the diagnosis and treatment of severe and persistent mental illness.

Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Black Hills State University in 2003 and a Master of Social Work from Newman University in 2010. She is licensed in South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP), a credential that indicates authorization for independent clinical practice. Outside of work she enjoys travel, time with family, and the outdoors, and she is enthusiastic about offering counseling services online.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Jessica Shaffer

Jessica commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is often applied to anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. She also uses trauma-focused therapy to address the effects of traumatic experiences through techniques that support processing, stabilization, and recovery from trauma-related symptoms. In addition, solution-focused therapy is employed to help clients set clear goals and build practical steps toward change, making it useful for coping with life transitions and problem-solving.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Jessica works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and will adapt methods over time so the plan fits the client’s priorities and comfort level. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine elements from these approaches to create a tailored path forward.

Online therapy with Jessica is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options make it easier to connect from home or work, accommodate different schedules, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are not possible.