Dr. Hillary Schaefer

Compassionate psychologist offering practical, evidence-informed care

NY Psychologist 022053, WA Psychologist PY.61029319 New York

Experience: 12 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Hillary

Dr. Hillary Schaefer helps people who are navigating stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, relationship struggles, caregiving burdens, and a wide range of life transitions.

Background and approach

She introduces practical tools alongside conversational support so clients can use strategies between sessions and notice gradual changes in daily coping. Dr.

Schaefer’s work also addresses concerns connected to intimacy, body image, substance use, ADHD, and identity-related issues within LGBT communities, and she maintains an open, nonjudgmental stance toward diverse sexual cultures such as BDSM and kink.

She trained as a clinical psychologist and earned her doctorate in 2013, and over 12 years she has practiced in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings.

Licensed to practice in New York (NY Psychologist 022053) and Washington (WA Psychologist PY.61029319), she combines evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused and client-centered approaches with attention to personal values and meaning. Dr.

Schaefer schedules sessions during morning and afternoon hours in Eastern Time and offers several remote formats to fit different needs.

Evidence-informed approaches for online care

Dr. Schaefer frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT is often applied to anxiety, mood concerns, sleep problems, and practical symptom management. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which emphasizes values-guided action and skills for accepting difficult internal experiences while committing to meaningful behavior changes. Finally, her client-centered and emotionally-focused work places attention on empathic listening and strengthening emotional connection where relationships and attachment are central concerns.

Choosing the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and life context to determine which methods fit best, and she adapts techniques over time based on what is most helpful for each person.

Online sessions are offered in multiple formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which makes scheduling more flexible for people with busy lives or limited mobility. These options allow clients to engage in regular therapy from different locations and to select the format that best matches their communication style and practical needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dr. Schaefer commonly address?

She works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, and caregiving stress among others.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style blends practical skills training with empathic listening, aiming for collaboration and tools clients can apply between sessions.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Dr. Schaefer has 12 years of clinical experience and has worked in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is based in New York and holds licenses as NY Psychologist 022053 and WA Psychologist PY.61029319.

Does she offer services in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English; she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Clients can work with her via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different preferences.

How is cost structured for therapy with her?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin a therapy relationship?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteem Coping with life changes ADHD

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

New York, Washington

Languages

English