About Me
Hi! I am Jamie Shapiro and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Jersey City, NJ. I am licensed to provide teletherapy for both New Jersey & New York. I received my Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and my Masters of Social Work with a focus in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University School of Social Work. I have a background in providing therapy for individuals and couples as well as facilitating various support groups.
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I have years of experience working with young adults, adults, life transitions, general mental health, cancer patients, caregivers, bereavement, loss of a pet and pet related stressors. I have extensive experience as an oncology social worker and also have a certification as a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP). My approach combines psychodynamic therapy, solution focused therapy, and strengths based perspective.
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Specialties
Young Adults & Young Professionals
Cancer & Chronic Illness
Caregivers
Being in your 20s and 30s can be a challenging and at the same time, a positive stage of life. This is the time where you may be thinking: "Who am I?" "What is my lifelong career?" "What kind of future do I want?" "What does success mean to me?" "What is my purpose in life?" "Do I want a family and kids?" "How do I manage my social life and dating?" This stage of life could bring about feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. There may also be some obstacles that come your way and you may need support in sorting them out. Individual therapy can be helpful in navigating this important time of life to help prepare you for your future.
Being diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness can be a scary and isolating experience. You may be concerned about opening up to those closest to you, leaning on them for support, and feeling as if you are a burden to them. Therapy can help you feel less isolated and reduce the fear, stress, and anxiety you may be experiencing. You may also be thinking: "Did I make the right treatment decision?" "Am I seeing the right doctors?" "What will my future look like?" Together we can explore options and what is best for you, process your thoughts and feelings, and explore what other support can be beneficial. Couples counseling can also be advantageous to make sure you and your partner have the open communication that you need to get through this life change.
Caring for someone who has cancer, Alzheimers, dementia, a chronic illness, or disability can be very overwhelming. It may feel like there is little time for yourself and you can't put your own needs first. In order to care for someone in the best way possible, it is important that you care for yourself first. Therapy can help manage your own stress, anxiety, and self-care. Coming to therapy is often the first step in taking time for yourself. Together we will explore the importance of focusing on your own needs, while understanding the physical and emotional impact caregiving is taking on you. Together we can also navigate the balance of caring for your loved one, yourself, and others that are important in your life.
Bereavement
Loss of a Pet &
Pet Related Stressors
General Mental Health
The loss of a parent, partner, friend, sibling, grandparent, relative, or other relationship can be life changing and very emotionally distressing. With loss, some experience symptoms of hopelessness, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Therapy can provide a safe space to navigate these difficult feelings and process any trauma that may have arisen. You may be questioning: "How do I function without this person in my life?" "What is my life and future now without this person?" Therapy will help you set goals to assist you in moving forward and incorporating this significant life change. I am here to hold the hope for you when it may be hard to see a hopeful future right now.
Unless you have lost a pet of your own, others may not understand how losing a pet is like loosing a member of the family. One may experience feeling like they lost their companion, child, and/or best friend. These kinds of losses can trigger intense emotions such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It is important to have an outlet to speak to about it. Therapy will help you navigate these feelings and assist you in learning how to move forward with this significant loss.
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Getting a new pet, such as a puppy, can be more overwhelming than one could imagine. Many people experience the "puppy blues" and those feelings are more common than you think. Your time with your new pet isn't always filled with cuddles and sweet kisses. Getting a new pet is a big transition in life and can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. You may be questioning "Did I make the right decision?". Together we can discuss this life change, explore if this was the right decision for you, and identify ways to handle this life change.
Just like people, pets get older, can develop illnesses, disabilities, and have behavior problems. In therapy we can discuss the emotional and physical impact that this may have on you and explore ways to improve the situation.
Life can throw curve balls at any time and these curve balls may cause depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It could be job related stress, a recent break up, relationship problems, family issues, a recent move, or any other life transition. It it is often helpful to have a non-judgmental professional to speak with, vent to, and explore ways to improve yourself. We will work together to set goals and boundaries, and identify and implement coping skills. Therapy can help you process your thoughts and feelings so you can live the life that you want, with a healthy and positive mindset.