Debbie Shaffer

I work with adults who may find themselves repeating familiar patterns while hoping for different results. If this resonates, you’re not alone. Many are highly self critical, sensitive to criticism, carry a strong sense of responsibility, or find it hard to stay motivated with daily responsibilities. They may overwork, struggle setting boundaries, or focus on helping and holding things together while their own needs go unmet. Over time, strategies that were once helpful can begin to unravel, leaving people feeling stuck and unsure how to cope with anxiety, depression, addiction or recovery, trauma, codependency, or ADHD.

My professional background includes extensive work in behavioral health and recovery settings, as well as graduate‐level teaching and clinical training. I support clients who are focused primarily on mental health and emotional well‐being, as well as those who are questioning their relationship with substances or are in recovery.

Across these experiences, a common thread is helping people understand how earlier adaptations once helped them survive — and how those same patterns may now be limiting their ability to feel safe, connected, or at ease.

I integrate clinical training and lived experience to create a safe, non‐judgmental therapeutic relationship grounded in unconditional positive regard. Therapy with me is a collaborative space where clients can slow down, make sense of their experiences, and begin building a more compassionate, trusting relationship with themselves.

In addition to individual therapy, I also offer group therapy for women with late‐diagnosed ADHD who want to better understand and heal the emotional and identity‐related aspects of their experience. Groups focus on working through shame, self‐criticism, burnout, and long‐standing patterns, while fostering self‐compassion and connection in a supportive, collaborative setting.

My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, interactive, holistic, and attuned. I believe effective therapy requires flexibility, and I draw from different therapeutic approaches to meet each client where they are and respond to their unique needs and goals.

I specialize in working with clients who feel stuck in shame‐driven patterns of emotional dysregulation, coping, or self‐judgment. Therapy focuses on helping clients feel understood and safe enough to explore these patterns, develop insight, and build greater self‐compassion. Through emotional safety, practical skill‐building, and increased awareness, clients are supported in moving toward lasting change and a more accepting relationship with themselves.

The first session is focused on creating a sense of safety and getting to know what brings you to therapy. You’ll have space to share your story at your own pace, ask questions, and talk about what you’re hoping for from therapy. Many clients notice a sense of relief in being heard and supported, rather than feeling pressured to explain everything or “get it right.”

This initial meeting is about beginning to make sense of your experience together and getting a feel for what working together might be like. Therapy unfolds over time, with care taken to move at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.