- CBT strategies
- Solution-focused work
- Trauma-informed methods
About Jessica
Jessica Shaffer is a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) in South Dakota with 12 years of experience as a practicing therapist. She works with adults and youth on concerns such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, anger, self-esteem, parenting strain, relationship and communication problems, and first responder issues.
Her approach is straightforward and practical. She emphasizes a working relationship with each person and tries to find what helps most. Sessions may include solution-focused work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-focused techniques, motivational interviewing, or mindfulness strategies depending on the situation.
Jessica draws on a long history in mental health settings, including crisis work in a locked correctional facility where she provided acute intervention and supported people with severe and persistent mental illness. That experience informs how she handles high-stress moments and safety concerns in therapy today.
She takes a problem-solving stance for things like insomnia, parenting stress, workplace frustration, or building healthier communication. The work often focuses on concrete skills, changing unhelpful thinking, and trying small experiments between sessions to see what helps.
Her schooling includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Black Hills State University and a Master of Social Work from Newman University. Jessica balances work with travel, family time, and outdoor activities when she can.
How Jessica uses practical approaches in online sessions
Jessica commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in her work. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect and teaches straightforward tools for changing unhelpful thinking and behaviors. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, achievable steps and what is already working, which can be useful for anger, workplace stress, and relationship friction.The therapist sees choosing an approach as a collaborative task. She will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then match methods that fit those aims. That lets sessions focus on what is most relevant for the person in front of her rather than a fixed protocol.
Practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions into a busy week and reducing travel time. Because session formats are not specified here, confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to check in during a lunch break, do shorter updates between longer sessions, or try exercises without changing daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
South Dakota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger or related concerns does she address?
She works with anger alongside stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, relationship problems, parenting strain, and first responder issues.
How would she describe her therapy style?
She uses a practical, relationship-based approach and looks for what actually helps. Sessions often focus on skills, problem solving, and short experiments to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has been practicing therapy since 2011 and has worked in mental health settings since 2003, including crisis work in a locked correctional facility.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice, CSW-PIP, and practices in South Dakota.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.