Molly Shaffer

College life can be exciting but also overwhelming. There are so many things to juggle and academic pressure, social challenges, and future concerns often come up triggering anxiety. I have a lot of experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help college students manage their anxiety and perfectionism, and develop healthy coping strategies.

CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I often help college students identify the negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety. For instance, if you find yourself feeling nervous about an exam, you might think, “If I fail, my future is ruined.” I help you challenge thoughts like this and move them to more realistic perspectives, like “I can study hard, and even if I don’t do perfectly, it won’t define my future.” This shift in thinking reduces anxiety and boosts confidence.

I also help my clients learn to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing hearts or shallow breathing with techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. We will work together to empower you to gain control over anxiety by combining these techniques with cognitive reframing.

I also frequently work with my clients on resilience-building. I can help you to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. By breaking problems into manageable steps and approaching them constructively, we will work to build confidence in your ability to overcome difficulties.

Most importantly, I want to create a safe, compassionate space for you to work through your struggles. It is important to me that we build a trusting relationship so you can explore your feelings without fear of judgment.