- Person-centered approach
- CBT and DBT skills
- Spiritual integration
About Brian
Dr. Brian Shaffer is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 20 years of experience. He practices in Pennsylvania and works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, and anger among other issues.
Brian uses a person-centered style in sessions. He listens, helps clients name what matters to them, and then works with them to try different ways to handle painful feelings and behaviors. He often brings in ideas from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to teach skills for managing strong emotions and difficult urges.
When addiction or grief are involved, he combines assessment and practical interventions to support recovery and coping. He encourages clients to look at how past events affect present behavior and to practice new responses that match their goals. He also discusses spiritual beliefs when clients want that included in care.
His work emphasizes clear steps rather than vague talk. Sessions typically include working through problems, learning specific skills, and checking what is and is not helping. People who want straightforward, skill-based support for anger, substance use, or mood problems may find this approach useful.
Brian has spent two decades helping people manage crises and build more stable daily routines. He aims to help clients reduce patterns that cause repeated conflict or setbacks and to find practical ways to move forward.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and practicing actions that fit those values while learning to live with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. It can help with anger that comes from stubborn cycles or avoidance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is useful for reducing reactive behavior and for problem solving around workplace or relationship triggers.Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to decide whether ACT, CBT, attachment-based ideas, or a mix makes the most sense for current goals. That lets the client try methods and adjust course based on what helps in everyday life.
The 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 schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for brief check-ins when needed. Video sessions let the therapist observe nonverbal cues while phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited. The focus is on practical ways to learn skills and test new behaviors that fit into daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, anger, and related issues listed in his profile.
What is his therapeutic style?
He follows a person-centered approach and integrates techniques from CBT and DBT to teach practical skills for emotion and behavior management.
How much experience does he bring?
He has 20 years of clinical experience in mental health, addiction, trauma, and grief work.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds LCMHC and LCPC credentials and practices in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.