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NY Psychologist 022053, WA Psychologist PY.61029319

Dr. Hillary Schaefer, NY Psychologist 022053, WA Psychologist PY.61029319

  • Experience12 years
  • LocationNew York
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Parenting, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Hillary

Dr. Hillary Schaefer welcomes people seeking practical support for stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, mood challenges, and a wide range of life changes.

Background and approach

She presents herself as a clinician who combines empathy with concrete skills so clients can both feel heard and build tools to manage daily difficulties. With 12 years of experience, Dr.

Schaefer frames therapy as a collaborative effort aimed at uncovering strengths and creating manageable steps forward. Her training includes a doctorate completed in 2013 at the University of Virginia and clinical work across clinic, hospital, and university settings, as well as experience directing a clinic focused on families and children.

Licensed to practice in New York and Washington state as NY Psychologist 022053 and WA Psychologist PY.61029319, she brings varied clinical exposure to issues such as depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, addictions, ADHD, and concerns related to intimacy, sexuality, and body image. Dr.

Schaefer uses evidence-based methods and adapts them to each person, and she offers appointments during daytime hours with current availability concentrated between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST.

Integrating IFS and Evidence-Based Methods in Online Care



Internal Family Systems (IFS) frames difficult thoughts and feelings as parts of an internal system rather than as fixed flaws; this approach helps clients explore inner conflicts and develop greater self-compassion and balance. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and learning to take committed action even in the presence of uncomfortable thoughts or emotions, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship and helps people feel understood while they explore goals and solutions.

Deciding which method will be most helpful is part of the therapy process, and the therapist works collaboratively with each client to determine the best fit based on presenting concerns, personal goals, and preferences. Sessions may blend elements of these approaches as appropriate to address practical skills and emotional growth.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to attend appointments from home or during a busy day. These options support consistent care and allow licensed professionals to deliver talk therapy, skills practice, and emotional support in formats that suit different schedules and communication styles.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does this therapist address?
She works with many concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping issues, and career or life transition struggles.
What therapeutic styles does she use?
Her practice draws on approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) to tailor care to each client.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of professional experience and completed her doctoral degree in 2013, with work in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings as well as directing a clinic serving families and children.
Where is the therapist licensed and located?
She is located in New York and is licensed as NY Psychologist 022053 and WA Psychologist PY.61029319.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
She is only accepting clients who are not international; international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available for online appointments?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this clinician?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

New York, Washington

Languages

English