Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychotherapist in Santa Barbara
With over four decades of dedicated practice in Santa Barbara, I have cultivated a therapeutic approach rooted in psychodynamic principles and empathetic understanding. My journey began with a transformative personal psychoanalysis, leading me to pursue advanced training at the Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology and the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1984, I bring depth and practicality to addressing emotional challenges, relationship dynamics, and behavioral addictions. My practice emphasizes creating a safe, collaborative space where clients explore their inner experiences to achieve meaningful healing. I integrate contemporary psychoanalytic theory with cognitive-behavioral strategies, tailoring interventions to each individual's unique needs.Having trained therapists at the graduate level, I prioritize education and clarity in demystifying psychological processes. My work extends to couples, families, and individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. The therapeutic relationship forms the foundation of growth, empowering clients to redefine their narratives and cultivate self-compassion. My practice environment reflects a commitment to comfort and accessibility, fostering open dialogue. This extensive experience positions me to provide nuanced support for those seeking lasting emotional and relational well-being.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
Psychoanalysis
Addiction Counseling
Co-Dependency Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of clinical experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy.
- Our therapist holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Cambridge Graduate School.
- We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
- Our practice emphasizes empathetic understanding and non-judgmental support.
- We accept insurance documentation and offer sliding scale fees for accessibility.
What people say
True healer
Gained clarity
Compassionate support
Effective strategies
Safe therapeutic space
Services
Individual Counseling
Personalized psychotherapy sessions address depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions through psychodynamic and contemporary approaches. Clients explore inner experiences to achieve emotional healing. Empathetic, non-judgmental support fosters self-understanding and lasting behavioral change.
Couples Therapy
Specialized relationship counseling helps couples rebuild empathy, communication, and connection. Sessions address conflicts, emotional distance, and behavioral patterns affecting partnerships. Evidence-based techniques strengthen bonds and resolve misunderstandings constructively.
Psychoanalysis
Intensive psychoanalytic treatment explores unconscious patterns shaping behavior and relationships. This long-term approach uncovers root causes of emotional distress through collaborative dialogue and self-reflection for profound personal transformation.
Addiction Counseling
Specialized therapy addresses substance abuse and behavioral addictions like gambling, sex, or internet dependency. Treatment focuses on understanding addictive patterns, developing coping strategies, and rebuilding healthy life structures through compassionate support.
Co-Dependency Therapy
Targeted counseling for co-dependent relationships helps clients establish healthy boundaries and self-identity. Therapy addresses patterns from dysfunctional family backgrounds, fostering emotional independence while maintaining supportive connections.
People
Robert Shafer, PhD
Psychotherapist
Robert Shafer, PhD, PhD, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 40+ years of experience in Santa Barbara. Specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy, he helps clients address emotional challenges, relationship issues, and behavioral addictions through empathetic, personalized care.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
I provide individual counseling, couples therapy, psychoanalysis, addiction treatment, and co-dependency counseling using psychodynamic and contemporary therapeutic approaches.
Do you accept insurance?
While not an in-network provider, I provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. Clients submit paperwork directly to their insurance carriers.
What are your session fees?
Standard sessions cost $200-250 with sliding scale options available based on financial need.
What areas do you serve?
My practice serves Santa Barbara, Montecito, and surrounding communities from my office at 136 Por La Mar Circle, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.
