Dr. Hillary Schaefer

Dr. Hillary Schaefer welcomes people who are dealing with anger, stress, anxiety, or life changes and want practical help. She presents a calm, straightforward presence so clients can talk through what’s happening and learn tools to manage strong feelings. Dr. Schaefer is based in New York and brings a clear focus on everyday coping and problem solving.

She earned a doctorate from the University of Virginia in 2013 and has worked for 12 years in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings. That range of experience includes directing a clinic that served families and children and providing care across age groups and concerns. Her licensure includes NY Psychologist 022053 and WA Psychologist PY.61029319.

In sessions she mixes practical skills with compassionate listening. Conversations are collaborative and focused on what will make life easier right away. Clients learn tools to manage emotions, improve communication, and build routines that reduce stress.

Her work covers a broad set of concerns including anger, depression, bipolar mood concerns, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, and body image and eating concerns. She also supports people navigating caregiving stress, blended family issues, and alternative sexual cultures such as BDSM and kink.

Dr. Schaefer uses approaches drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. She aims to match methods to each person’s needs and goals. To begin, clients use the site process to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions.

How therapy approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify what matters to them, and take small steps toward those values. It can be useful for anger, anxiety, and life changes when people want to act in line with their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing them with real-life experiments, which can reduce reactivity and improve coping with stress and mood problems. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building a trusting relationship so people feel heard and can explore what matters to them without judgment.

Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and adapt methods to fit a person’s goals, preferences, and the specific issues they bring. That collaborative process helps shape session plans and homework so changes feel doable.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, shorten travel time, and keep check-ins consistent during stressful periods. It also allows therapy to continue when schedules or locations change, while the therapist helps tailor pacing and homework to what works in each person’s routine.