FAQs
Can you share what an individual session might look like?
Absolutely! One of my clients had developed a strong conditioned response. Her brain associated going outside with impending dizziness. Together, we designed an outdoor exposure activity: anti-zombie crossbow target practice (apocalypse edition). Humans won. Sorry, not sorry, to any Zombies reading this.
Through this exercise, she challenged the association her brain had made between going outside and dizziness. She proved to herself she could take an empowered stance, and did not experience any dizziness while fighting Zombies. This helped her see that going outside was not actually threatening. It was a powerful moment of experiential safety.
Can you share what an immigration evaluation might look like?
I offer immigration evaluations for Extreme Hardship (I-601A) waivers and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for individuals within California.
Process:
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Initial Consultation - free 15–20 minute virtual consultation
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Evaluation Appointment(s) - assessment completed via two 60-minute sessions or one 2-hour intensive session
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Evaluation Write-up - comprehensive 10–12 page clinical report delivered within 3–4 weeks of the intensive 2-hour session or the second and final clinical interview
What is an Extreme Hardship (I-601A) evaluation?
Extreme Hardship (I-601A) evaluations may be conducted when a undocumented family member of a U.S. citizen is facing deportation. Extreme Hardship (I-601A) evaluations focus primarily upon the U.S. citizen and the impact deportation or moving the family outside of the United States may have.
I think I need a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) evaluation, but am unsure, can you help?
"Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by:
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A U.S. citizen spouse or former spouse;
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A U.S. citizen parent;
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A U.S. citizen son or daughter;
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A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse; or
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An LPR parent.
You may self-petition under VAWA by filing a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360) without your abusive family member’s knowledge or consent" (Green Card for VAWA Self-Petitioner). "
You helped me with my immigration evaluation, can I see you for therapy?
Immigration evaluations are conducted separately from therapeutic services to maintain objectivity and ethical standards. Clients receiving evaluation services are not also seen in therapy with me. This would create a conflict of interest. However, I am happy to provide referrals.
How long have you worked with children and teens?
I have over ten years of experience working with children and teens. I founded Adolescent Neurobody Psychotherapy to have a practice that specializes in children and teens.
Do you work with adults?
Yes! I have worked with adults ever since becoming a therapist. Many modalities are specifically developed for and evidence-based upon research conducted exclusively on adults.
What's with all these therapies you offer?
Great question, I am trained in Attachment-Based Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Therapy, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Therefore, I am trained on numerous research and evidence-based modalities.
Where can I learn more specialized neuroplastic symptoms resources for children and adolescents?
Chronic Pain Courses for 9-16 year olds
Reviews about the course prior to our exciting collaboration on course updates with Jessica Holzer, LMFT, RPT-S:
"Jamie has designed an evidence-based, easy to follow program for helping adolescents recover from chronic pain. Integrating the best elements of leading psychological treatments, combined with a deep understanding of what works for kids and teenagers, she has clearly laid out both the basic knowledge and the practical skills anyone with chronic pain needs to know. This is a terrific contribution, sure to benefit many."
- Yoni K. Ashar, PhD
Director of the Pain and Emotion Research Lab
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
“Jamie Shafir’s courses for young people living with chronic pain is a much-needed resource in a community where adolescents are often overlooked. It offers a compassionate, practical, and comprehensive approach, helping youth better understand their pain and equipping them with tools to take control of their experience. Drawing on mind-body techniques such as mindfulness, emotional expression, and cognitive reframing, the program provides strategies to effectively shift their relationship with pain and significantly improve their well-being. The strategies are accessible and empowering, perfectly tailored by Jamie to meet the unique needs of this age group. I am thrilled to see such a valuable resource for adolescents finally become available to the public.”
-Christie Uipi
Executive Director
Better Mind Center
The Chronic Pain Playbook: An Attachment and Play-Based
Clinician's Guide to Working with Children and Adolescents
Reviews about The Chronic Pain Playbook:
"This book is truly amazing. Using the latest science about the brain, body-mind issues and sophisticated understanding of the role of psychological defences play in trauma, stress and chronic pain, it creates a fun and fascinating roadmap to help understand and find a way out of a range of chronic conditions that many give up on. It is packed with wonderfully enjoyable but deeply thought through ways of working with children via play and activities. I would advise any therapists, OT's, teachers, parents and anyone working with chronic pain and stress to buy this book."
-Graham Music
Author of Respark: Igniting hope and joy after trauma and depression
Nurturing Children: From Trauma to Growth Using Attachment Theory, Psychoanalysis and Neurobiology
Nurturing Natures: Attachment and Children's Emotional, Sociocultural and Brain Development
Affect and Emotion: A Brief Psychoanalytic Tour
The Good Life: Wellbeing and the new science of altruism, selfishness and immorality
"With 'The Chronic Pain Playbook,' Jamie Shafir and Jessica Holzer firmly establish themselves as leading voices in the treatment of pediatric chronic pain. Blending rigorous scientific research with creative, play-based interventions, this book offers both clarity and compassion. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or clinician, this is an invaluable resource for helping children navigate—and overcome—chronic pain."
Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center
What additional resources are available?
The following articles have been very impactful on my work:
Somatization: Diagnosing it sooner through emotion-focused interviewing
