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Hello! Very nice to meet you! While I do not yet know you personally, clients have often told me that seeking out a therapist for yourself can be an exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful experience in itself! Which therapist will I be able to relate to? Which therapist might best understand me and my own unique feelings and life experiences? It takes real courage to take this first step on this journey toward self-discovery and change. Perhaps you will choose me to be the one to help guide you.
I have over 35 years of experience in practice as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, first in California, and then in Idaho. A Masters Level graduate of the University of Southern California's (USC) Graduate School of Counseling, I have extensive experience working with both individuals and couples, along with families in many different settings and from many different backgrounds .
One specialty area of my practice has been devoted to assisting survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma and abuse, including survivors of childhood abuse and neglect and domestic violence. Survivors of such abuse can sometimes suffer from after effects of trauma, such as emotional difficulties, problems with trusting others, anxiety and panic type attacks, and ongoing physical ailments. This kind of post traumatic stress (PTSD) can manifest itself in survivors of childhood and domestic violence.
Sometimes these past experiences can be the cause of problems in the bedroom, including sexual dysfunction, trust issues, and problems with sexual intimacy. The good news is that these problems are treatable. If this sounds like you, let me help you with this. The worst thing you can do is nothing.
My approach to the counseling experience is simple and straightforward. I believe that most everyone has the potential to learn, grow, and ultimately change if they so desire. For many, this process of self exploration is unfamiliar and even the thought of it can be anxiety provoking at first. For others, there is a sense of relief at finally disclosing to another human being the often hidden thoughts and feelings they have been experiencing and perhaps suffering from for so long. I am first and always a caring, empathetic, and emotionally supportive listener. You set the pace of this process. I am here to help guide and assist you.
I work in various treatment modalities, and you will often hear therapists advertise about the types of treatments they utilize. Words such as cognitive, or cognitive behavioral, or psychodynamic are often used. Rather than telling you which approach is best, I will instead direct your attention to the numerous studies conducted over many years now which largely agree on one thing. Mainly, that the relationship which develops between the therapist and the client is single most important factor in achieving successful outcomes. And while required continuing education courses keep all clinicians current in this ever changing field, I believe that it is the personal characteristics of the therapist you choose to be most important. The therapist you choose should be skilled in fostering a positive, empathetic, and caring therapeutic relationship in which the client can safe to explore and discover themselves at their own pace with the therapist guiding and encouraging, but not dictating, their progress.
I believe you will find me capable of fostering a positive and caring relationship with you which you will find to be emotionally supportive as well as solution focused, and tailored to your specific needs.
Additional areas of focus:Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Adoption and Foster Care, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Attachment Issues, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Chronic Pain Illness and Disability, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Dependent Personality, Dissociation, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame, Infidelity, Intellectual Disability, Jealousy, Life Purpose, Men's Issues, Midlife Crisis, Mood Disorders, Narcissism, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Brian Shapiro. 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.
Brian is empathetic and very honest
Written on Oct 18, 2023 after therapy with Brian for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Brian Shapiro is a top notch professional. He is very relatable and trustworthy. He is kind and honest. I would highly recommend Brian!
Written on Jul 30, 2023 after therapy with Brian for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, and career difficulties
Brian is great and very knowledgeable
Written on Jun 01, 2023 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
He really is great. Very helpful. I highly recommend him. Sincerely cares.
Written on Mar 25, 2023 after therapy with Brian for 5 months on issues concerning addictions, and relationship issues
Brian has been amazing in my journey back to myself. I felt so lost when we started working together but Brian helped me learn more about myself and has given me such great tools to live a more authentic life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with him in my healing.
Written on Jan 17, 2023 after therapy with Brian for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Great guy! Down to earth and has the skills and knowledge.
Written on Jan 16, 2023 after therapy with Brian for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Brian has been a very helpful, positive force in my recovery. He really listens and understands and gives pragmatic advice with specific, concrete things to try. Only cancelling because of finances, definitely going to miss my weekly discussions with him. Highly recommend him to anyone that needs help.
Written on Nov 21, 2022 after therapy with Brian for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Brian is very knowledgeable and supportive therapist. He has many years experience and is a extremely competent therapist.
Written on Nov 01, 2022 after therapy with Brian for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
He’s amazing
Written on Jun 23, 2022 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Brian is a great listener and asks probing questions. His approach is well rounded and the conversations are not one sided.
Written on Jun 21, 2022 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Brian is great. He understands the problems that I’m going through and pinpoints the root of the problem and does his best to help improve that problem rather than going off of some textbook strategy like other therapists I’ve seen. I’ve learned a lot from Brian and looking forward to improving with his guidance. Highly recommend!
Written on Jun 16, 2022 after therapy with Brian for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Brian is great so far. He is personable, friendly, and just has a relaxed confidence that is very refreshing. I haven't felt judged by him at all. I think that he is genuinely lending good advice and has more to say than just "oh, that must have been hard." He sends me worksheets and articles to read in between appointments so I am able to work on myself everyday. Thanks Brian!
Written on Mar 13, 2022 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Brian is helpful and encouraging. I recommend him.
Written on Dec 09, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
After the first session, Brian had already figured out exactly what tools I needed to move forward. I look forward to our sessions every week. And I believe he is helping me move forward and get to the place I need to be
Written on Oct 22, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management
I need more sessions working with my therapist to write a review.
However, my experience has been very positive and would love to continue working with my therapist, Brian.
Thank you :)
Written on Oct 07, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coaching
You are intuitive, educated, kind, and wise. You have helped me more than anyone I've ever had as a councilor. I am very happy with your help. Thank you for all you do.
Written on Sep 26, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, eating disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Brian is a gentle soul, very empathetic, a great listening, and decipherer of what one's emotions and needs are. I have really gotten a lot out of working with him. My life is improving, and he makes me feel supported and safe to go deep into what is on my mind. He is also practical about offering concrete information, tools, and strategies that can be incorporated into one's daily life easily, and impactfully. I am grateful I met and have worked with Brian! He is the best.
Written on Aug 12, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Very happy so far.
Written on Aug 06, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Working with Brian truly has allowed me to be introspective in ways I had no idea I needed. His expertise has helped direct me to understand how to move forward and grow through great deals of change in my life.
Written on Apr 23, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
He is very sympathetic and tries very hard to understand what’s going on. He tries to bring lightheartedness into the conversation where appropriate so that tension doesn’t escalate. Very helpful with PTSD.
Written on Mar 03, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues
I highly suggest Brian. He is very kind and personable. He helped me see that I needed boundaries and helped me establish those, in addition to helping with other issues. Our sessions were always great conversations that helped me learn more about myself.
Written on Feb 06, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, coaching, and compassion fatigue
I enjoy my sessions with Brian. They help me.
Written on Jan 18, 2021 after therapy with Brian for 2 years on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
He's very nice and listens well. Even when I ramble on and on he points out the core of the problem and we try and work on that together.
Written on Dec 29, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks
Brian is great, he balances listening and speaking perfectly. He has an innate ability to understand what makes me tick without me even needing to say it. He has been incredible supportive in helping me work through some complicated emotions!
Written on Dec 18, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
I've been talking with Brian for a few months now and he's has been great at helping me resolve some inner conflicts I was having and then helping me figure out who I am and what makes me tick. He's good at creating a space where it's comfortable to have a conversation.
Written on Nov 21, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Brian has been so helpful to me. He has listened and given me such good advice on how to move forward. He has been so patient and takes the time to understand the situation. I highly recommend him to anybody going though life and relationship issues.
Written on Sep 21, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Brian has been wonderful throughout the process, and has helped me tremendously with my anxiety issues.
Written on Aug 06, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Brian is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I appreciate his expertise and background, I felt very early on that he listened and understands my concerns, overall he’s a great therapist and I really am appreciative that we connected.
Written on Jul 08, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
Great support!
Written on May 02, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue
Very pleasant, good listener and non-judgmental.
Written on May 01, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
Brian has been very kind and understanding. Talking to him made me have a new perspectives about how to have a fair fighting with my partner. He also gave me some tips that included exercises.
Written on Feb 18, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Brian was very attentive and listened well. I feel like he identifies with my needs and can likely help me.
Written on Jan 29, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Brian and I immediately connected in our first session. He is extremely perceptive, understanding things about me and my situation even before I ever explicitly said them. He supports me and makes me feel like I always have someone to turn to. He provides a lot of outside resources as well that I find extremely helpful! I’m currently struggling coming out of a relationship, and I feel so much better doing it with Brian on my team.
Written on Jan 26, 2020 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Both my wife and I really appreciate Brian! He's very easy to talk with, and quick to offer input and observations from his experience, all of which have been very helpful for me personally, our marriage relationship, and parenting challenges. Thanks Brian!
Written on Oct 07, 2019 after therapy with Brian for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Brian made me feel comfortable from our very first interaction. He has created a space that is judgment-free and full of support. He facilitates counseling that matches what I asked - counseling that is conversational and the type where he participates just as much as I do. I look forward to our time together as he brings me unbiased clarity and tools, including articles, worksheets and more for me to continue my journey between our weekly sessions. Thank you Brian!
Written on Sep 15, 2019 after therapy with Brian for 3 months on issues concerning family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Brian has helped me to get a better hold of myself. He has been understanding and patient with me even when I could not present my thoughts in a clear way.
Written on May 15, 2019 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Brian has helped me grow in so many ways. He encourages me and has so much empathy. I always feel his support!
Written on Apr 02, 2019 after therapy with Brian for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
I appreciate having constant support.
Written on Jan 18, 2019 after therapy with Brian for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
Had a great talk with him. Was as if he already knew what I was going to say before I said it. Everything was on point. Really appreciated his advice.
Written on Dec 15, 2018 after therapy with Brian for 3 days on issues concerning relationship issues
Brian is extremely empathetic and very well-informed. Basically all the best qualities one could ask for in a counselor. I'm beyond grateful for the time he's so graciously put into helping me during a time of crisis, and I value what he's taught me. Thank you!!
Written on Jul 02, 2018 after therapy with Brian for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, self esteem, and bipolar
Amazing support quick response very knowledgable and friendly
Written on Jun 25, 2018 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship
Brian has led me on my “first foray” into the world of counseling/therapy. Starting quite skeptically, I am pleased to say that his rational, well considered, and professional approach has been an eye-opener as to how this kind of support can really make a difference and give us the tools we need to be healthier of mind.
Written on Jun 12, 2018 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship, trauma and abuse, and anger
Brian is very helpful with his insights and experience. He offers a variety of different methods and times to communicate in. You can feel Brian's smile and positive energy through his voice and definitely during video chats. Overall, a great individual and very beneficial as a counsellor.
Written on May 28, 2018 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship, and anger
Brian is an amazing person, He saved my marriage at the last minute when I just asked for advice before going for divorce. I would recommend him to anyone in difficult relationship situation.
Written on May 13, 2018 after therapy with Brian for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship, and family
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