Jaxon Shaffer (they/them)

Family Therapy

My training at Lewis and Clark Graduate School was grounded in family therapy through a social justice lens. I work with couples, families and individuals from a relational framework, this means seeing a person as a culmination of the relationships and social systems that they are and have been a part of. I consider family of origin, dysfunctional cycles, self in the context of a family unit, attachment development, intersecting identities, diagnosis (if desired), and much more.

Couples Counseling

I work with couples of all genders and sexual orientations to overcome barriers to healthy connection through a blend of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Queer Theory, and the Gottman Method. "EFT focuses on emotions and emotional communication in relationships and their influence on patterns of interaction. It also recognizes emotion as a powerful agent of change rather than simply part of the relationship problem."

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

My approach to healing is rooted in an ecosystemic, social justice framework. This means that when working with individuals, couples, or families, I am considering how each individual person’s context, culture and relationship dynamics impact their thoughts, perspectives, emotions, behaviors, and symptoms. To find healthier ways of processing, CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing

MI is a counseling approach designed to help people explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change. It's particularly effective in addressing addictive behaviors, but it's also used to address a variety of "stuck" and/or problematic ongoing behaviors. In MI, we focus on exploring your values, goals, and concerns.

PTSD

I specialize in working with PTSD, using Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) to help clients process and integrate traumatic experiences. NET is an evidence-based approach that supports individuals in making sense of their life story, reducing distress, and fostering resilience. With extensive training in NET, I guide clients in structuring their narratives to reprocess trauma, regain agency, and move toward healing.

Gender Identity

Gender identity and gender exploration is the main focus of my work. I have experience working with children, teens and adults who are questioning their gender, going through gender transitioning, or just needing a safe space to discuss life as a gender non-conforming person. I have received academic training on working with gender non-conforming folks as well as my personal life experience.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, my training and practice are heavily rooted in relationship dynamics of all kinds, from family of origin, to romantic relationships, to friendships, to relationship with ourselves. I enjoy working with couples and families as well as individuals who are struggling with, or are looking to strengthen their relationships. The modalities I use are rooted in attachment and are emotionally focused.

Social Phobia

Social anxiety or social phobia is a primary focus of my work, particularly in teenagers, helping them navigate fears of judgment, embarrassment, and exposure. Social anxiety is often rooted in self-esteem challenges, and I use evidence-based approaches to build confidence, develop coping strategies, and foster meaningful connections.