Business Details
42 Years
experience
Experienced Psychotherapy in Santa Barbara
Robert Shafer, PhD has dedicated over four decades to helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges through compassionate, psychodynamic psychotherapy. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Cambridge Graduate School and a California Marriage and Family Therapist license (MFC 19148), he combines deep academic training with practical experience to address issues ranging from anxiety and depression to relationship conflicts and addictive behaviors. His practice emphasizes empathetic understanding, personalized treatment goals, and creating a safe space for clients to explore their inner experiences.Dr. Shafer's approach integrates contemporary psychoanalytic theory with cognitive-behavioral strategies, fostering self-awareness and meaningful change. Located in Santa Barbara, his practice serves clients from Montecito and surrounding communities, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. With a career spanning over 40 years, including teaching roles at the graduate level, Dr. Shafer brings both expertise and warmth to his work, helping clients transform pain into clarity and purpose.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Psychoanalysis
Addiction Treatment
Co-Dependency Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of clinical experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy
- PhD in Clinical Psychology from Cambridge Graduate School
- Specialized treatment for addiction and co-dependency patterns
- Empathetic, non-judgmental approach to personalized care
- Accepted by multiple insurance providers as out-of-network option
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
What people say
True healer
Life changing
Genuine clarity
Compassionate support
Effective therapy
Services
Individual Counseling
Dr. Shafer provides personalized psychotherapy for adults dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. His psychodynamic approach explores early experiences shaping current patterns. Clients gain self-awareness and develop healthier coping strategies through empathetic, non-judgmental sessions.
Couples Therapy
Specialized treatment for couples addressing communication breakdowns, emotional distance, and recurring conflicts. Using contemporary methods, Dr. Shafer helps partners rebuild empathy and understanding. Sessions focus on improving connection while respecting individual needs and relationship dynamics.
Psychoanalysis
Intensive exploration of unconscious patterns affecting behavior and relationships. This long-term treatment examines early attachment experiences and their impact on current challenges. Dr. Shafer's approach combines traditional psychoanalytic theory with modern relational techniques for comprehensive self-discovery.
Addiction Treatment
Specialized care for substance abuse and behavioral addictions like gambling, sex, or internet addiction. Treatment addresses underlying emotional wounds driving addictive patterns. Dr. Shafer employs a compassionate, holistic approach to break destructive cycles and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Co-Dependency Therapy
Focused treatment for individuals trapped in unhealthy relationship patterns. Therapy addresses codependent behaviors developed in dysfunctional family systems. Clients learn to establish boundaries, prioritize self-care, and develop mutually satisfying relationships through structured, supportive guidance.
People
Robert Shafer, PhD
Psychotherapist & Owner
Dr. Shafer has practiced psychotherapy in Santa Barbara for over 40 years. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and California MFT license, he specializes in psychodynamic therapy for individuals and couples. His approach combines empathy with practical strategies for lasting change.
Questions
What types of therapy does Dr. Shafer offer?
Dr. Shafer provides individual therapy, couples counseling, psychoanalysis, addiction treatment, and co-dependency therapy using psychodynamic and relational approaches tailored to each client's needs.
Do you accept insurance?
While not an in-network provider, Dr. Shafer's services are often partially covered by out-of-network insurance plans. Clients receive documentation for potential reimbursement.
What are your office hours?
Appointments available Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM and Saturday 9AM-2PM. Evening hours may be available upon request in Santa Barbara, CA.
How much does therapy cost?
Individual sessions range from $200-250 with sliding scale options available. Payment accepted via cash, check, or insurance reimbursement.
What makes your approach unique?
Combining 40+ years of experience with psychodynamic theory and practical strategies, Dr. Shafer creates personalized treatment plans emphasizing empathetic understanding and lasting behavioral change.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, telehealth options available for California residents. Virtual therapy provides flexibility while maintaining the same depth of in-person sessions.
