Shaffer Counseling Solutions PC is a private psychotherapy practice for adults, operating in both Illinois and Colorado.
Beginning October 2026, a new non-clinical offering will be available called Aging Together. This offering is intended to support families in the early stages of supporting an aging relative or loved one, and assist with decision-making. Late life and end-of-life chapters are inherently difficult and sad. With some collaboration in advance, these difficulties can be reduced.
Matt Shaffer, LCSW believes the most important part of helpful & effective treatment is the relationship between the therapist and client.
This relationship is built with trust and without judgment, in a way that promotes openness and honesty.
Empathy and compassion are also cornerstones of the treatment relationship;
Matt possesses these qualities in spades, and is easy to talk to, friendly, and engaging.
Matt helps his clients understand the way their thoughts, feelings, and actions are inter-related. This understanding is built within the context of his clients’ past and present, leading to insight into previous patterns and current issues.
Cultural humility has been a longstanding cornerstone of Matt’s clinical practice, including work with individuals identifying as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals of color, and members of historically marginalized communities. Matt encourages all clients to explore system factors that contribute to various forms of privilege, income inequality, educational inequity, and structural racism.
In technical terms, Matt uses Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy approaches, along with principles of Self-Psychology that explore unmet developmental needs. He also teaches clients Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills to help improve Emotion Regulation.
Email: matt@shaffercounseling.com
