Lilly Shaffer
Associate
Pronouns: She/Her
Style: Compassionate, Attuned, and Affirming
Works with:
- Child/Family (0-5)
- Child/Family (6-12)
Who I am as a Therapist
Children are constantly learning how to navigate the world around them, and it’s our job to help them! As a therapist, I strive to create a safe environment for children to explore their past experiences and imagine their future ones. I believe that treating children with unconditional positive regard and allowing them to communicate using their natural language (play!) is key to creating a positive and open therapeutic relationship.
A child’s caregivers and community are crucial to their learning, and I do not take their influence lightly. I work directly with families to teach strategies to implement with their child(ren) at home to encourage a lifelong environment of healing and growing long after my contribution is complete. I understand how challenging it can be to raise a child and never impart judgement on any of the families I have the opportunity to work with. It takes a village, and I’d be honored to be welcomed into yours.
I have nearly a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and families, in areas such as preschool teaching, nannying, child welfare/foster care, group therapy, and play therapy. I have a master’s degree in social work with a focus in clinical work with children and families, which has further solidified my passion for this field.
I am a cis, white therapist and am keenly aware of my position and privilege in the therapy world. I take an approach of cultural humility, leaning on you as the expert of your own life to give me a window into your family’s unique challenges. I am honored to work with children and families of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Activism & Burnout
- Adoption & Foster
- ADHD
-
Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
-
Attachment & Relational Challenges
- Behavioral Challenges in Children
- Biracial Couples/Families
-
Blended Family
- Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships
- Cultural & Systemic Oppression
- Depression
- Disability
- Dissociation
- Divorce
-
Grief & Loss
- Identity Development
- Learning Disorders
-
LGBTQIA+
- Life Transitions
- Managing Stress
- Mood Dysregulation
- Neurodiversity
- Parenting
- Postpartum Depression
-
School Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Health
- Trauma Recovery (PTSD & Abuse)
-
Women’s Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Anti-Racist Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC)
-
Attachment-Based Therapy
- Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Therapy
- Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
- Compassionate Communication (NVC)
-
Feminist Therapy
- Intergenerational Family Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
- Interpersonal Neurobiology
- Mind-Body/Somatic
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
-
Narrative Therapy
-
Play Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Transgender-Affirming Care
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
I was born and raised in Gig Harbor, WA (outside of Seattle). My life outside of being a therapist revolves around my wonderful husband and our two dogs. When I have a quiet moment, I love to read suspense novels, tend to our vegetable and herb garden, and foster my relationships with family and friends. I am an extrovert at heart and thrive when I’m surrounded by loved ones! While I enjoy a sunny day, I feel most comfortable during rainstorms and have found a cozy piece of home here in Portland, OR.
Education
- MSW, New York University, NY
- BS Psychology, University of Oregon, OR
Training & Experience
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training
- Licensed as QMHP-R and CSWA in the state of Oregon
- Training and experience in Play Project, Theraplay, and Floortime techniques
- Training and experience in child-centered play therapy
- Experience working with children with Autism and other behavioral challenges
- 4+ years of preschool teaching experience
- AmeriCorps program management experience
- Experience in child welfare/foster care