Rachel Shapiro

I believe that insight, self-compassion, and awareness of the nervous system are powerful tools for healing and change. I work with adults navigating the impact of trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. In our work together, we explore the deeper patterns, often outside of conscious awareness, that may be keeping you stuck, while building skills that support greater choice, connection, and inner calm.

I bring warmth, patience, and curiosity to therapy, and I tailor the process to your unique needs and goals. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting, just a willingness to be curious about yourself and your experience.

I’ve lived in Buffalo my entire life, even completed my education at small colleges here, and I’m proud to still call this city home. I understand how vulnerable it can feel to reach out for support. Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating; it can become a space where you begin to feel more at home in yourself.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or challenges like setting boundaries and speaking up for yourself, therapy can help. Life can become complicated when past experiences continue to shape how you think, feel, and relate to others. I offer a supportive space where you can explore what may be holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change.

My approach to therapy is both practical and insight-oriented. I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS)/parts work, Polyvagal Theory/nervous system regulation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), schema therapy, and attachment-focused work. Together, we’ll explore deeper patterns that may be operating outside of awareness, build coping skills that support your nervous system, and develop a clearer understanding of yourself and your needs.

Healing isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you - it’s about reconnecting with who you truly are. If that resonates with you, let’s talk.

In our work together, you can expect to feel more connected to yourself and more in tune with what your nervous system needs to feel safe and steady. We’ll explore the different parts of you that show up in response to stress or past experiences, and work on building more understanding and compassion for all of them. Over time, many clients find they feel less overwhelmed, more grounded, and more able to respond to life with clarity and confidence, rather than feeling stuck in old patterns.