I am a clinical mental health counselor licensed in beautiful Vermont. I graduated from Antioch University New England and have 15+ years of experience working with a wide range of individuals. In addition to private practice I've facilitated women's therapy groups, mindful self-compassion groups, and worked with hospice patients and their families. I'm a trained EMDR practitioner and utilize a trauma-informed approach. In addition to EMDR, I often draw from the principles and wisdom found in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and careful listening. The people I most often work with might be experiencing some of the following: symptoms of anxiety and/or depression; social anxiety; trauma; isolation and loneliness; grief, loss and bereavement; low self-worth or self-confidence; communication and/or relationship issues.
What I like most about the work I do is making a connection with whomever I'm working with; a connection based on respect, trust, positive regard without judgment, and an aptitude for listening. I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship, along with patience and intention, anyone seeking help or support through therapy has the capacity to heal and live a life of value and meaning.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
VT LCMHC 068.0057621
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Amy Emler-Shaffer. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Amy is kind and understanding and a great counselor that really helps you separate the issue from the emotion so you can truly figure out how to solve the problem yourself. She is amazing.
Written on Jun 22, 2023 after therapy with Amy for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Amy has been kind, attentive and open to my unique situation and has appropriately given her input at times while also helping guide me to my own best decision at other times.
Written on Nov 03, 2022 after therapy with Amy for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and coaching
Great, helpful and kind.
Written on Apr 02, 2022 after therapy with Amy for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd