Jana Shiffert
Hello! My name is Jana Shiffert, MSW, LCSW, a board‑certified psychotherapist with more than 20 years of clinical social work experience. I trained at Barry University and hold a Master’s in Addiction Counseling in addition to certification as a sex therapist. I provide compassionate, evidence‑informed care for adults facing mood disorders, addiction and substance use concerns, bereavement and codependency, LGBTQ+ issues, life‑management challenges, and stress. My work blends practical skills with empathic exploration so clients gain tools they can use in daily life while also addressing deeper patterns.
I specialize in mood disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression, bipolar), addiction/substance abuse, bereavement/grief, codependency, LGBTQ+, life management, and stress.
If you’re seeking steady, nonjudgmental support to reduce distress and move toward meaningful change, I’m here to help you get started.
First session
Many clients are new to therapy and unsure what to expect. In our first session we’ll begin with brief introductions and a compassionate review of the concerns bringing you in, including relevant history and current stressors. We’ll discuss your goals, complete or review any pre-session assessments, and identify immediate priorities. By the end you’ll have a clear, collaborative treatment plan, initial coping strategies to try, and a sense of what follow-up sessions will focus on.
Strengths
I bring two decades of clinical experience, advanced training, and a commitment to ongoing learning that keep my practice current and effective. Evidence‑informed, integrative approach I combine proven therapies with practical skills so sessions balance insight with tools you can use immediately. Specialized training My certifications in addiction counseling and sex therapy allow me to address complex, sensitive issues with competence and care. Collaborative, nonjudgmental stance I create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to set the pace and direction of their work. Practical focus on measurable progress We set clear goals, track changes, and use brief outcome measures and regular check‑ins so you can see real improvement over time. Cultural humility and inclusivity I work respectfully with diverse identities, including LGBTQ+ clients, and tailor interventions to each person’s values and context. Warmth and reliability Clients tell me my steady presence, clear guidance, and encouragement make it easier to try new strategies and sustain change. I look forward to bringing these strengths to support your goals and help you build lasting well‑being.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is an adult seeking compassionate, practical support to reduce stress, resolve emotional challenges, and reach meaningful goals. They’re open to self-reflection, willing to try new strategies, and motivated to change despite life’s limits. I work with adults of all ages who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or in transition and want steady guidance toward greater well-being and lasting resilience.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past twenty years. It is a form of short-term, problem-focused therapy, which has been successfully used with a number of psychological and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. It helps many clients challenge reoccurring thoughts, manage their anxiety, addictive personalities. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a better life.
Couples Counseling
I’ve been working for couples for the past twenty years. It is a short-term therapy that aims to equip you and your partner with skills to help you prevent and manage conflicts that arise throughout your relationship. Couples therapy can help improve the overall quality of your relationship, so that you and your partner are happier together. Therapy can address a wide range of relationship issues, including recurring conflicts, feelings of disconnection, an affair, issues related to sex, or difficulties due to external stressors. It is helpful at any stage of your relationship.
Grief Therapy
For over 10 years, I have worked with families dealing with impending loss of a loved one, grief/bereavement of losing a loved one, loss of a relationship, job, etc. Loss comes in many forms. I help people deal with the pain and upheaval that accompanies grief and loss. I offer therapeutic support to those dealing with significant distress as a result of any type of significant ending or loss brought about by a major change (e.g., divorce, job loss, disability, immigration).
Sex Therapy
I have been a Certified Sex Therapist for over 19 years. Sex therapy can help people identify and work through their sexual challenges, such as low sex drive, pain during sex, and difficulty having an orgasm. It can help improve sexual satisfaction. Sex therapy may benefit anyone who wants to improve their relationship with sex and pleasure. It can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty with a lack of arousal, painful intercourse, an inability to reach orgasm, or other sexual dysfunctions. Sex therapy does not require both partners. Some people may benefit from individual therapy sessions, while others may find couples sex therapy more useful.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I have used solution-focused therapy with many clients. This brief therapy does not emphasize the problem at all; it stresses and highlights the solution. Solution-focused therapy also considers you the expert. I am merely the facilitator to help you solve the problem. You are considered the expert because no one knows your life better than yourself.
Location
Virtual sessions