- Values-driven care
- Trauma-informed focus
- Skills and planning
About Brian
Dr. Brian Shaffer is a licensed counselor who combines person-centered care with practical therapies to help people move toward recovery. He uses clear, straightforward conversation to address problems like addiction, depression, anxiety, grief, and the strain that comes with life changes. Dr. Shaffer draws on 20 years of experience to guide clients through difficult moments and toward more manageable day-to-day living.
He blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based ideas, and client-centered approaches. Those methods are used to help people notice unhelpful patterns, make values-based choices, and build better ways of coping. Therapy sessions often include skills practice, real-life planning, and checking how changes are working.
Dr. Shaffer pays particular attention to how past trauma and loss shape present struggles. He works with people who face addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns, and he integrates spiritual beliefs when clients want that included. Money and financial issues are among the concerns he lists as an area he addresses in therapy.
Clients can expect a focus on practical goals such as reducing harmful behaviors, improving mood, managing stress, and mending relationship patterns. He also helps people with career stress, caregiver burden, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. Progress is tracked through regular conversation and adjustments to the plan.
Dr. Shaffer holds the LCMHC credential and the LCPC credential and practices from Pennsylvania. Sessions are conducted in English, and he works with international clients as well.
How these approaches shape online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coming to terms with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress, and it often includes structured exercises and homework to practice between sessions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns influence present connections and can help with intimacy, trust, and relationship repair.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Dr. Shaffer will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. He collaborates with clients to try methods, check progress, and adjust the plan as needed so therapy stays relevant to daily life.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm available session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce time spent traveling. It can also let people use approaches like ACT or CBT while applying skills directly between sessions in their everyday routines.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Dr. Shaffer address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, trauma, eating and intimacy-related issues, and many related concerns such as career stress, caregiver strain, and ADHD.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a person-centered approach combined with therapies like ACT, CBT, and DBT to build practical skills and clarify values. Sessions focus on real-life steps and skill practice.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 20 years of clinical experience working in mental health, addiction, trauma, and bereavement.
What credentials and location apply to his practice?
He holds LCMHC and LCPC credentials and practices from Pennsylvania.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English, and he does accept international clients.
What session formats are offered for meetings?
The biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.