- Trauma-informed care
- Practical strategies
- Support for parents
About Jessica
Jessica Shaffer is a licensed Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) based in South Dakota. She focuses on helping people who are managing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, parenting concerns, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem struggles, and life changes. Jessica also supports people facing trauma and abuse, communication problems, first responder issues, self-harm, LGBT concerns, relationship tension, and career questions.
She emphasizes a strong working relationship as the core of therapy. Sessions are collaborative and practical. Jessica listens first, then helps people choose steps that feel doable for their life and schedule.
Her background includes more than a decade practicing therapy since 2011, and prior work in mental health beginning in 2003. She has provided individual and group work with youths and adults who have experienced trauma, and has experience with crisis intervention and treating severe mental health concerns in high-acuity settings.
Jessica uses a range of techniques to fit each person’s needs. Those may include solution-focused methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused work, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices. She looks for what will work best for the person in front of her rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
She 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. In her free time she enjoys travel, family time, and spending time outdoors.
How Jessica’s approaches translate to online therapy
Jessica commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy along with trauma-focused techniques. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on goals and small changes that create momentum, which can help with parenting challenges, communication problems, and everyday stress. Trauma-Focused Therapy focuses on stabilizing symptoms and building coping skills after traumatic experiences to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.Finding the best approach is part of the work together. Jessica will talk with each person about goals, past treatment, and personal preferences. Together they decide whether CBT, solution-focused steps, trauma-informed methods, or a mix makes the most sense for the situation.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats are used, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people continue care while away from their usual office. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT and solution-focused exercises to an online setting, using worksheets, goal planning, and brief skills practice to keep progress moving.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
South Dakota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Jessica commonly help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, LGBT matters, relationship and family questions, sleeping problems, parenting challenges, anger, self esteem, career stress, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is collaborative and practical. She focuses on building a trusting relationship and helping people choose steps that feel doable.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has been practicing therapy since 2011 and has worked in mental health since 2003, including crisis intervention and work with trauma-exposed youths and adults.
What are her credentials and location?
She holds the SD CSW-PIP credential and practices in South Dakota.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.