Cari Shafer

LSW, MSW

Hi, I’m Cari!

I’m a clinical social worker and therapist who works with adults navigating grief, complex childhood trauma, pregnancy and postpartum challenges, and major life transitions.

Therapy can be a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re carrying, and reconnect with yourself without pressure to have it all figured out.

Who I See

I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating grief, complex childhood trauma, difficult family relationships, or the challenges that can come with parenthood. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, stuck in patterns that are hard to change, or just trying to make sense of where you are in life, you’re not alone in that.

Grief can show up in many ways- feeling numb, angry, confused, overwhelmed, or disconnected — and it isn’t limited to the loss of a loved one. Maybe it’s pregnancy loss, infertility, the loss of a job, a pet, or a relationship. Whatever it might be, it deserves a space to exist.

I also support those who notice the impact of earlier experiences showing up in their day-to-day interactions, relationships, or beliefs about themselves.

Additionally, I work with individuals experiencing the impact of pregnancy and postpartum. You may be grieving parts of your identity, feeling isolated, carrying a heavy mental load, or trying to reconnect with yourself while caring for everyone else around you.

How I Work

My approach is warm, flexible, and tailored to your needs. I draw from grief counseling, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR to help clients process painful experiences, understand themselves more deeply, and move toward meaningful healing and change.

We Might Work Well Together If…

• You’re used to being the strong one but feel emotionally exhausted underneath it all.
• You struggle with overthinking, people pleasing, self-doubt, or difficulty trusting yourself and your choices.
• You’re navigating grief, parenthood, anxiety, or life changes that have you feeling unlike yourself.
• You want therapy that feels genuine, supportive, and human.

A Bit About Me

When I’m not in session, I’m usually walking my dog, Josie, browsing thrift stores around Cleveland, or unwinding at home with a good book. I love being a mom to my one-year-old daughter and am learning something new every day through motherhood. I also have a soft spot for travel, especially trips to national parks.

Cari Shafer, LSW, MSW is under the supervision of Joshua Lehsten, LISW-S (I.2103306-SUPV).