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Dr. Brian Shaffer

Therapist · Pennsylvania

Dr. Brian Shaffer, LCMHC, LCPC

Thoughts and habits focused counselor

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  • Person-centered approach
  • Values-based work
  • Spiritual integration

About Brian

Dr. Brian Shaffer is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who focuses on helping people change the thoughts and everyday habits that get in the way of recovery and well-being. He brings 20 years of clinical experience to sessions and uses a person-centered approach that honors each person's values and goals.

He draws from several evidence-informed methods to tailor care. In practice he helps people process past trauma and loss that contribute to substance use and emotional struggle. He also works with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

Dr. Shaffer includes clients' spiritual beliefs when those beliefs matter to the person. That can mean connecting meaning and values to specific steps for coping, healing, or maintaining recovery. He aims to help people find practical ways to live in line with what they care about.

Sessions typically focus on changing unhelpful thought patterns and everyday habits while building skills for emotion regulation and healthier relationships. He uses straightforward techniques from approaches such as cognitive behavioral methods and acceptance-oriented strategies to build skills and momentum.

Across his work he emphasizes steady progress and realistic goals. He supports people facing life transitions, relationship struggles, chronic illness, and concerns about intimacy or body image. His background includes mental health, addiction, trauma, grief, and spiritual care.

Dr. Shaffer is based in Pennsylvania and works in English. International clients are accepted; confirm current session options before booking.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania

Languages

English

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their thoughts without letting those thoughts control actions. It focuses on values and taking small steps toward a meaningful life, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and recovery from addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and managing everyday habits.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to match methods to a person's goals, needs, and preferences. That might mean trying an acceptance-oriented practice for values work or using CBT skills for changing daily habits and thinking patterns.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also let someone choose a quieter setting, avoid needing to be on camera, or fit a session into a work break. Discuss practical needs and scheduling during the initial match so sessions fit daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, and related concerns listed in his specialties.

What is his therapy style like?

He practices a person-centered style that tailors methods to each person. Sessions focus on changing thoughts and everyday habits and building coping skills.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 20 years of clinical experience working in mental health, addiction, trauma, grief, and spiritual care.

What credentials and location apply?

He holds LCMHC and LCPC credentials and is based in Pennsylvania with NH LCMHC and NV LCPC noted for credentialing.

Which languages are supported or international options available?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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