- CBT and solution-focused
- Trauma-informed care
- Works with parents
About Jessica
Jessica Shaffer is a licensed social worker with 12 years of therapy experience. She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, sleep problems, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, and relationship struggles. Jessica also supports parents with parenting strain and people coping with career change or low self-esteem.
Her style is warm and direct. She emphasizes a strong working relationship and practical steps people can try between sessions. Jessica looks at what has helped before and what might be changed now, then agrees on small, manageable goals to work toward.
Jessica uses tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. Sessions often include skill building, brief experiments to test new habits, and problem-solving focused on the person’s day-to-day life. When needed she offers crisis-focused strategies and support for self-harm concerns.
She trained in psychology with a Bachelor of Science from Black Hills State University and completed a Master of Social Work at Newman University. The credential she holds is CSW-PIP, which stands for Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice.
Jessica has worked in a range of settings, including work with youth and adults affected by trauma and a prior role providing crisis therapy in a correctional facility. Her approach aims to match practical methods to each person’s situation and to build steady progress one step at a time.
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Jessica uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking and try practical behavior changes. CBT often focuses on small experiments and new habits that can improve sleep, mood, and daily routines.She also draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy to address the effects of past traumatic events. That approach breaks down overwhelming issues into manageable steps and builds coping skills for flashbacks, sleep disruption, and hypervigilance.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Jessica collaborates with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and preferences rather than using one fixed style. That means she may use CBT exercises for sleep and anxiety, or trauma-focused steps when past events are central to the problem.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They also let people try techniques like sleep routines or brief behavioral experiments in their usual environment while discussing results with the therapist.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
South Dakota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Jessica focus on?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, sleeping problems, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and family issues, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, career change, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Jessica emphasizes a trusting relationship and practical steps. She works collaboratively to set small goals and uses exercises you can try between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has worked in the mental health field since 2003 and has practiced therapy since 2011, giving her about 12 years of direct therapeutic experience.
What credential and location apply to her practice?
She holds the credential SD CSW-PIP, which is a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice, and practices in South Dakota.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Jessica?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.