About
Dr. Schaefer is a licensed psychologist with over 40 years of experience as a clinician and advocate with a variety of populations and settings, including people with chronic illness and/or multiple co-morbidities, those with developmental disabilities, and those in need of forensic mental health treatment.
Currently, she loves working with young and aging adults experiencing significant life transitions. Her clients appreciate her warmth, humor, and gentle but straight-forward guidance through some of life’s toughest challenges and transitions.
License, education + certifications
- Massachusetts Licensed Psychologist #500048
- New York Licensed Psychologist #015972
- PhD Counseling Psychology, University at Albany
- Pre-doctoral Internship, Albany Psychology Internship Consortium
- MS Educational Psychology/ CAS School Psychology, University at Albany
Approach to therapy
Dr. Schaefer's approach is grounded in psychodynamic and existential theories, and integrates relational, developmental, and attachment-based perspectives. She also uses interventions from Bader & Pearson’s Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Kauppi’s Model of Relational Intimacy, Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her training and experience has attuned her to the value and meaning of life roles, including activities in school/work and career development, parenting, and the contributions of the aging to society.
Whether you are an individual, couple, or family, she encourages reflection, curiosity, and learning to understand yourself and others with compassion, creativity, and calm. Dr. Schaefer welcomes diverse ages, abilities, and sexual and gender identities and engages the complexities of culture, ethnicity, and race. She is also trained in Basic EMDR.
Along with the unique ways anxiety and depression may manifest for you as a client, Dr. Schaefer keeps an eye on both the developmental and situational influences of trauma, interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, life transitions, and illness. Many of her clients value long-term therapy to fully explore, test, revise, and consolidate these understandings. She offers short-term options as well.
After a long career, Dr. Schaefer brings awareness of and sensitivity to diverse concerns yet also enjoys learning from and with you. She invites you to schedule an appointment to talk about your goals and explore potential fit together.
What's next?
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but we keep the process simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:
Request an Appointment
Once you complete this form, we will reach out. If we have a fitting opening, we will schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to assess fit further together.
Assessment and Planning
The first 2-4 sessions involve assessing your history, symptoms, and goals. Together, you and your psychologist will establish a treatment plan and discuss next steps.
Ongoing Weekly Sessions
Sessions are typically weekly for 55 minutes at a consistent time. You and your psychologist will focus on your treatment needs and goals.
Our locations
We proudly serve all of Massachusetts with convenient locations in Boston and Northampton. We also provide teletherapy services from the comfort of your home for any current resident of Massachusetts.
boston
northampton
We are here for you
We recognize the courage it takes to seek professional support, and we are glad you are here.
If you have questions and would like to know more about working with us, please check out our frequently asked questions or reach out to us at info@avivapsych.com.
