Barry Shaeffer, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, psychotherapist, and coach, I work to empower gay and queer men.
I received my masters degree in Clinical Social Work at The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, I have trained extensively in LGBTQIA affirmative therapy, and I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator of Brené Brown’s work.
I'm glad you're here.
For each of my clients, I am a:
Fierce advocate
Compassionate guide
Strengths finder
Straight shooter
Partner in healing
Champion of your success
What do you want to be known for?
We all have unique gifts to bring to the world—and expressing your gifts often requires a great deal of support, planning, and hard work. I personally returned to school to become a therapist because I wanted to help LGBTQIA folks develop their resources. I completed my coursework, clinical training, and built my own practice…while also working for a major corporation for over 20 years. I’m here to partner with you in creating the life you desire, no matter what it takes.
As a gay man, you deserve to live the life you desire.
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQIA community from the inside out. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in dissatisfaction with our lives. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
I believe in your strength and resilience.
I also believe that we are all worthy of love, belonging, and connection with ourselves and others. I know from my own personal experience and from my years of experience as a therapist and coach that our pasts do not have to define us and that we have everything we need to live the lives we desire.
Through our individual and collective experiences in the LGBTQIA community, we have developed a deep well of strength, resilience, humor, creativity, fierceness, and fabulousness from which to draw.
I know that when we live authentically, grounded in our values and driven by purpose, we transform our own lives… and we can change the world.
Connect to Get Started
If this resonates with you, let’s partner in making it happen. Set up a first session for Individual Therapy or Coaching by contacting me: