Therapist profile
Jessica Shaffer, CSW-PIP
South Dakota
Certified social worker - Anger and trauma
Continue with JessicaKey details
- CredentialsCSW-PIP
- LicenseCSW-PIP, South Dakota / 3415
- NPI1225582182
- Experience12 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationSouth Dakota
About
- CBT techniques
- Solution-focused work
- Motivational interviewing
About Jessica
Jessica Shaffer is a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) in South Dakota with 12 years of clinical therapy experience. She works with adults and youth on problems like stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, LGBT concerns, relationship and family strains, sleep problems, parenting stress, anger, self-esteem, career shifts, and coping with life changes.
Shaffer keeps sessions straightforward. She focuses on building a working relationship and then chooses approaches that fit the client's goals. That might mean short solution-focused work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, or trauma-focused strategies. She also draws on crisis intervention when someone needs immediate stabilization.
Her background includes work in high-acuity settings, including a locked correctional facility in Colorado where she provided crisis therapy for clients with acute suicidal thoughts and managed severe and persistent mental illness. Earlier clinical roles gave her experience with group work and individual therapy for youth ages 5-18, and occasional adult clients who experienced various types of trauma.
Shaffer 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. Her licensure is SD CSW-PIP, which indicates Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice in South Dakota.
Outside of clinical work she spends time traveling, being with family, and enjoying the outdoors. For people wanting to try online counseling she asks clients to consider what they want to work on and then she and the client pick an approach that fits those goals.
How sessions work
Approaches for online work and what they do
Jessica commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reduce anger and anxiety. It helps with managing reactions at home or work and changing unhelpful thinking patterns.She also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people explore mixed feelings about change. That approach supports clearer personal goals, which can reduce resistance and make steady progress on habits that fuel anger or substance use.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Jessica will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit their situation, needs, and goals. That means checking in early and adjusting strategies if something isn’t working.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people use approaches like CBT worksheets, guided skill practice, or motivational interviewing exercises during the session in ways that match day-to-day life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
South Dakota
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to anger?
She helps people who struggle with snapping, built-up resentment, and difficulty managing strong feelings. Anger appears alongside stress, relationship strain, and trauma in her practice.
What style of therapy does she use for anger?
She uses practical approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused methods, and can include motivational interviewing or trauma-focused strategies when helpful.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has been practicing therapy since 2011 and has worked in mental health settings since 2003, giving her twelve years of clinical practice.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is listed as SD CSW-PIP, which is Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice in South Dakota. Her practice is located in South Dakota.
Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.