Sarah Shaffer, LLMSW
Telehealth Psychotherapist
Virtual Therapy anywhere in Michigan.
Contact: sshaffer@riversideprofessionals.com
Spontaneous traveler, always seeking unique outdoor destinations to explore with loved ones
Nerdy deep conversationalist who enjoys being goofy and having meaningful conversations
Passionate about learning; currently enrolled in a play therapy certificate program to help those with trauma and grief process without words
Night owl who prefers reading scientific articles over conventional leisure books
Loves exploring markets, art fairs, festivals, and going on road trips
Giant dog parent and treasures time spent with family and chosen family
I’m passionate about supporting teens, college students, young adults, and adults as they navigate relationship challenges, identity development, intergenerational trauma, burnout, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm.
I especially enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxious attachment, family conflict, relational wounds, premarital concerns, divorce transitions, and the emotional complexities that can come with adoption, interracial or transracial dynamics, and being the child of immigrant parents. I also enjoy supporting individuals in helping professions who often carry emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, perfectionism, or burnout while caring for others.
My therapeutic approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in emotional safety, curiosity, and authenticity. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely understood while exploring the experiences, family systems, and relationship patterns that may be shaping their present lives.
I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and facilitating IOP groups, and I continue pursuing advanced training in trauma-informed care, attachment-focused work, EMDR-informed approaches, family systems therapy, and parts-work/IFS-informed therapy through ongoing supervision and professional development.
What makes Sarah qualified:
Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW)
• Experience working with teens, young adults, couples, families, and IOP groups
• Currently enrolled in a Play Therapy Certificate Program
• Holds a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) certificate
• Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Ongoing clinical supervision focused on EMDR-informed therapy, attachment work, family systems therapy, and parts-work/IFS-informed approaches