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JS Portrait of Judith 'Judi' Shaffer

Judith 'Judi' Shaffer

Experienced therapist blending empathy and practical tools

LICSW, LCSW California

Experience
29 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Judith

About Judith

Judith 'Judi' Shaffer is a seasoned mental health professional who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, depression, and life transitions.

Background and approach

With 29 years of clinical practice and licensure in both California and Massachusetts, she draws on a range of therapeutic methods to tailor support to each person’s needs. Judi emphasizes creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult thoughts and emotions and build practical skills for everyday coping.

Her approach blends evidence-informed strategies and empathic listening to address present concerns while also considering deeper patterns that influence well-being. Clients can expect collaborative work that honors their goals and preferences, whether they want short-term problem solving or more exploratory therapy.

Judi’s background and long experience support a steady, respectful therapeutic presence for people navigating personal change and relational strain.

How Judi’s Methods Translate to Online Therapy



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it is practical for addressing anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching coping skills and new ways of responding to difficult situations. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and acceptance, giving people a supportive space to explore feelings and clarify their own goals while the therapist follows the client’s lead.

Choosing an effective approach is a collaborative process. Judi works with clients to match methods to their concerns, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds so therapy stays relevant and useful. That collaborative stance helps clients feel engaged in deciding what feels most helpful.

Online options including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and for communicating in the way that best suits each person. These formats can make it easier to fit regular sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access support from home or other convenient locations.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Judi commonly address?
Her practice focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges, depression, and coping with life changes, plus many related issues such as caregiver stress, body image, and isolation.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
She combines client-centered listening with approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic ideas to balance practical skill-building and deeper understanding of patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Judi has 29 years of professional experience working with a variety of personal and relational concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds MA LICSW 1015394 and CA LCSW 16364 and is licensed to practice in California.
Does she offer services in other languages or take international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for online work?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their preferences and schedule.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Psychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

29+ years

Licensed

California, Massachusetts

Languages

English