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Brian Shapiro, LMFT

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Brian is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

5.0 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Brian. View 45 reviews
Great news, Brian is accepting new clients!
He is normally fully-booked.
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Idaho

Recent reviews

Brian is easy to talk to, he is very empathetic and intuitive. I feel he can relate to my concerns and he is engaged and excited to help me work through them.

Reviewed January 2024

Brian is empathetic and very honest

Reviewed November 2023

More about Brian

  • 46 years' experience
  • Male
  • LMFT

Hello! Very nice to meet you! While I do not yet know you personally, clients have often told me that seeking out a therapist for yourself can be an exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful experience in itself! Which therapist will I be able to relate to? Which therapist might best understand me and my own unique feelings and life experiences? It takes real courage to take this first step on this journey toward self-discovery and change. Perhaps you will choose me to be the one to help guide you.

I have over 35 years of experience in practice as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, first in California, and then in Idaho. A Masters Level graduate of the University of Southern California's (USC) Graduate School of Counseling, I have extensive experience working with both individuals and couples, along with families in many different settings and from many different backgrounds .

One specialty area of my practice has been devoted to assisting survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma and abuse, including survivors of childhood abuse and neglect and domestic violence. Survivors of such abuse can sometimes suffer from after effects of trauma, such as emotional difficulties, problems with trusting others, anxiety and panic type attacks, and ongoing physical ailments. This kind of post traumatic stress (PTSD) can manifest itself in survivors of childhood and domestic violence.

Sometimes these past experiences can be the cause of problems in the bedroom, including sexual dysfunction, trust issues, and problems with sexual intimacy. The good news is that these problems are treatable. If this sounds like you, let me help you with this. The worst thing you can do is nothing.

My approach to the counseling experience is simple and straightforward. I believe that most everyone has the potential to learn, grow, and ultimately change if they so desire. For many, this process of self exploration is unfamiliar and even the thought of it can be anxiety provoking at first. For others, there is a sense of relief at finally disclosing to another human being the often hidden thoughts and feelings they have been experiencing and perhaps suffering from for so long. I am first and always a caring, empathetic, and emotionally supportive listener. You set the pace of this process. I am here to help guide and assist you.

I work in various treatment modalities, and you will often hear therapists advertise about the types of treatments they utilize. Words such as cognitive, or cognitive behavioral, or psychodynamic are often used. Rather than telling you which approach is best, I will instead direct your attention to the numerous studies conducted over many years now which largely agree on one thing. Mainly, that the relationship which develops between the therapist and the client is single most important factor in achieving successful outcomes. And while required continuing education courses keep all clinicians current in this ever changing field, I believe that it is the personal characteristics of the therapist you choose to be most important. The therapist you choose should be skilled in fostering a positive, empathetic, and caring therapeutic relationship in which the client can safe to explore and discover themselves at their own pace with the therapist guiding and encouraging, but not dictating, their progress.

I believe you will find me capable of fostering a positive and caring relationship with you which you will find to be emotionally supportive as well as solution focused, and tailored to your specific needs.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Intimacy-related issues Grief Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Depression Coping with life changes Coaching Compassion fatigue Abandonment Adoption and foster care Aging and geriatric issues Antisocial personality Attachment issues Blended family issues Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain illness and disability Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Dissociation Divorce and separation Domestic violence Family of origin issues Family problems First responder issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Infidelity Intellectual disability Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Mood disorders Narcissism Panic disorder and panic attacks Personality disorders Post-traumatic stress Sexual assault and abuse Sexual dysfunction Sexuality

Treatment Approaches

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Gottman Method
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

Licenses

Brian Shapiro's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1295130698.

  • LMFT · Idaho · LMFT-32 · Expires September 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Brian Shapiro

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

5.0

45 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Helped Helpful Recommend Helping Support Amazing Empathetic Understand Thank you

Brian is easy to talk to, he is very empathetic and intuitive. I feel he can relate to my concerns and he is engaged and excited to help me work through them.

Reviewed January 2024

Brian is empathetic and very honest

Reviewed November 2023

Brian Shapiro is a top notch professional. He is very relatable and trustworthy. He is kind and honest. I would highly recommend Brian!

Reviewed July 2023

Brian is great and very knowledgeable

Reviewed June 2023

He really is great. Very helpful. I highly recommend him. Sincerely cares.

Reviewed March 2023

Brian has been amazing in my journey back to myself. I felt so lost when we started working together but Brian helped me learn more about myself and has given me such great tools to live a more authentic life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with him in my healing.

Reviewed January 2023

Great guy! Down to earth and has the skills and knowledge.

Reviewed January 2023

Brian has been a very helpful, positive force in my recovery. He really listens and understands and gives pragmatic advice with specific, concrete things to try. Only cancelling because of finances, definitely going to miss my weekly discussions with him. Highly recommend him to anyone that needs help.

Reviewed November 2022

Brian is very knowledgeable and supportive therapist. He has many years experience and is a extremely competent therapist.

Reviewed November 2022

He’s amazing

Reviewed June 2022

Brian is a great listener and asks probing questions. His approach is well rounded and the conversations are not one sided.

Reviewed June 2022

Brian is great. He understands the problems that I’m going through and pinpoints the root of the problem and does his best to help improve that problem rather than going off of some textbook strategy like other therapists I’ve seen. I’ve learned a lot from Brian and looking forward to improving with his guidance. Highly recommend!

Reviewed June 2022

Brian is great so far. He is personable, friendly, and just has a relaxed confidence that is very refreshing. I haven't felt judged by him at all. I think that he is genuinely lending good advice and has more to say than just "oh, that must have been hard." He sends me worksheets and articles to read in between appointments so I am able to work on myself everyday. Thanks Brian!

Reviewed March 2022

Brian is helpful and encouraging. I recommend him.

Reviewed December 2021

After the first session, Brian had already figured out exactly what tools I needed to move forward. I look forward to our sessions every week. And I believe he is helping me move forward and get to the place I need to be

Reviewed November 2021

I need more sessions working with my therapist to write a review. However, my experience has been very positive and would love to continue working with my therapist, Brian. Thank you :)

Reviewed November 2021

You are intuitive, educated, kind, and wise. You have helped me more than anyone I've ever had as a councilor. I am very happy with your help. Thank you for all you do.

Reviewed September 2021

Brian is a gentle soul, very empathetic, a great listening, and decipherer of what one's emotions and needs are. I have really gotten a lot out of working with him. My life is improving, and he makes me feel supported and safe to go deep into what is on my mind. He is also practical about offering concrete information, tools, and strategies that can be incorporated into one's daily life easily, and impactfully. I am grateful I met and have worked with Brian! He is the best.

Reviewed August 2021

Very happy so far.

Reviewed August 2021

Working with Brian truly has allowed me to be introspective in ways I had no idea I needed. His expertise has helped direct me to understand how to move forward and grow through great deals of change in my life.

Reviewed April 2021

He is very sympathetic and tries very hard to understand what’s going on. He tries to bring lightheartedness into the conversation where appropriate so that tension doesn’t escalate. Very helpful with PTSD.

Reviewed March 2021

I highly suggest Brian. He is very kind and personable. He helped me see that I needed boundaries and helped me establish those, in addition to helping with other issues. Our sessions were always great conversations that helped me learn more about myself.

Reviewed February 2021

I enjoy my sessions with Brian. They help me.

Reviewed January 2021

He's very nice and listens well. Even when I ramble on and on he points out the core of the problem and we try and work on that together.

Reviewed December 2020

Brian is great, he balances listening and speaking perfectly. He has an innate ability to understand what makes me tick without me even needing to say it. He has been incredible supportive in helping me work through some complicated emotions!

Reviewed December 2020

I've been talking with Brian for a few months now and he's has been great at helping me resolve some inner conflicts I was having and then helping me figure out who I am and what makes me tick. He's good at creating a space where it's comfortable to have a conversation.

Reviewed November 2020

Brian has been so helpful to me. He has listened and given me such good advice on how to move forward. He has been so patient and takes the time to understand the situation. I highly recommend him to anybody going though life and relationship issues.

Reviewed September 2020

Brian has been wonderful throughout the process, and has helped me tremendously with my anxiety issues.

Reviewed August 2020

Brian is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I appreciate his expertise and background, I felt very early on that he listened and understands my concerns, overall he’s a great therapist and I really am appreciative that we connected.

Reviewed July 2020

Great support!

Reviewed May 2020

Very pleasant, good listener and non-judgmental.

Reviewed May 2020

Brian has been very kind and understanding. Talking to him made me have a new perspectives about how to have a fair fighting with my partner. He also gave me some tips that included exercises.

Reviewed February 2020

Brian was very attentive and listened well. I feel like he identifies with my needs and can likely help me.

Reviewed January 2020

Brian and I immediately connected in our first session. He is extremely perceptive, understanding things about me and my situation even before I ever explicitly said them. He supports me and makes me feel like I always have someone to turn to. He provides a lot of outside resources as well that I find extremely helpful! I’m currently struggling coming out of a relationship, and I feel so much better doing it with Brian on my team.

Reviewed January 2020

Both my wife and I really appreciate Brian! He's very easy to talk with, and quick to offer input and observations from his experience, all of which have been very helpful for me personally, our marriage relationship, and parenting challenges. Thanks Brian!

Reviewed November 2019

Brian made me feel comfortable from our very first interaction. He has created a space that is judgment-free and full of support. He facilitates counseling that matches what I asked - counseling that is conversational and the type where he participates just as much as I do. I look forward to our time together as he brings me unbiased clarity and tools, including articles, worksheets and more for me to continue my journey between our weekly sessions. Thank you Brian!

Reviewed September 2019

Brian has helped me to get a better hold of myself. He has been understanding and patient with me even when I could not present my thoughts in a clear way.

Reviewed May 2019

Brian has helped me grow in so many ways. He encourages me and has so much empathy. I always feel his support!

Reviewed April 2019

I appreciate having constant support.

Reviewed January 2019

Had a great talk with him. Was as if he already knew what I was going to say before I said it. Everything was on point. Really appreciated his advice.

Reviewed December 2018

Brian is extremely empathetic and very well-informed. Basically all the best qualities one could ask for in a counselor. I'm beyond grateful for the time he's so graciously put into helping me during a time of crisis, and I value what he's taught me. Thank you!!

Reviewed July 2018

Amazing support quick response very knowledgable and friendly

Reviewed June 2018

Brian has led me on my “first foray” into the world of counseling/therapy. Starting quite skeptically, I am pleased to say that his rational, well considered, and professional approach has been an eye-opener as to how this kind of support can really make a difference and give us the tools we need to be healthier of mind.

Reviewed June 2018

Brian is very helpful with his insights and experience. He offers a variety of different methods and times to communicate in. You can feel Brian's smile and positive energy through his voice and definitely during video chats. Overall, a great individual and very beneficial as a counsellor.

Reviewed May 2018

Brian is an amazing person, He saved my marriage at the last minute when I just asked for advice before going for divorce. I would recommend him to anyone in difficult relationship situation.

Reviewed May 2018

How was your experience with Brian?

Frequently asked questions

Does Brian Shapiro offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Brian Shapiro works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Brian Shapiro speak?

Brian Shapiro speaks English.

How many years of experience does Brian Shapiro have?

Brian Shapiro has 46 years of experience.

Where is Brian Shapiro licensed to practice?

Brian Shapiro is licensed to practice in Idaho.

Does Brian Shapiro accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, Brian Shapiro accepts clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Brian Shapiro offer?

Brian Shapiro offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

How can I communicate with Brian Shapiro?

Brian Shapiro can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Brian Shapiro?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.