Mental Health Counseling with Amanda Schafer, LMHC

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and co-founder of Light House Counseling of Upstate NY. I hold my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from St.John Fisher University. 

I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, with the goal of helping individuals feel supported as they navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful change. I strive to create a safe, respectful space where each person feels heard and understood.

I am EMDR-trained and draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). 

I tailor treatment to each person, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. I often support clients working through trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges, with an emphasis on building insight, practical tools, and a greater sense of self-understanding.

Outside of the office, I like to stay active and grounded in simple things—being outdoors, reading, and staying on the move wherever life takes me. I bring that same appreciation for balance and real-life living into my work, meeting clients where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be.