In-Person in Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Online in California
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would? Maybe you’re in the middle of a big transition—becoming a parent, navigating a breakup, adjusting to a new role, or simply realizing that what used to work…doesn’t anymore. Change can stir up anxiety, self-doubt, and even grief for the versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown. You might find yourself questioning who you are or what comes next. These moments can feel isolating, but they’re also an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and begin again—with support along the way.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+, Men, Military / Veterans, Women clients.
Languages: English, Spanish
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy Based on Freud’s theories, it explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences. It seeks to bring hidden issues into awareness.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Education & Credentials
Samantha Schaefer LCSW, PMH-C
- Female
- License # 95356
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2016
Education: UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, History, Spanish Minor, 2011
NYU, Master of Social Work, 2016
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 195
- Out of Network
- Contra Costa County MediCAl
Samantha Schaefer Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Online therapy offered via secure video platform
I help adults, teens and couples navigate life transitions with more clarity, self-trust, and emotional balance. My approach is attachment-based and trauma-informed, drawing from EMDR, CBT, and DBT. We’ll uncover the roots of what’s keeping you stuck, strengthen your ability to cope and communicate, and help you reconnect with your sense of purpose and calm.
Therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating—it can be a place to exhale and be fully seen. You don’t have to figure it all out alone or have the perfect words for what’s wrong. If you’re ready to feel grounded and hopeful again, let’s start where you are. Together, we’ll take steady steps toward the change you’ve been wanting but haven’t known how to reach.