About Natalie Shafer
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Psychodynamic
Culturally Sensitive
Somatic
Person-Centered
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Natalie Shafer
I am a psychodynamically oriented, person-centered clinician practicing at Moonlight Wellbeing, a family-owned private practice I operate alongside my husband, Adam Shafer, PsyD.
I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Northwestern University’s Counseling@Northwestern program in 2025 and currently practice as a pre-licensed clinician under supervision. I am also a national certified counselor, certified yoga instructor, and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
My clinical experience includes working in a female-owned private practice, where I supported adults, older adults, and couples navigating a range of concerns, including attachment patterns, family dynamics, life transitions, grief and loss, and interpersonal and relational trauma. My approach integrates psychodynamic principles with a holistic, relational focus, emphasizing the role of connection in shaping a healthy sense of self.
Prior to my work in mental health, I spent over two decades in food and nutrition marketing and advocacy. I have also been an active volunteer in the Oak Park Elementary School District, supporting equitable access to programs and resources.
I am deeply committed to fostering a therapeutic environment grounded in multicultural awareness, empathy, and compassion. I believe the therapeutic relationship serves as a foundation for meaningful growth and healing. My areas of interest include adult and couples counseling, somatic attunement, life-stage development, and trauma recovery.
What should a new client know about working with you?
As a therapist, I aim to help my clients better understand the deeper emotional patterns that shape their relationships and sense of self. Much of my work centers on areas such as grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of interpersonal trauma. Together, we’ll explore how past experiences, especially attachment and family dynamics, may be influencing how you relate to yourself and others today.
My approach is insight-oriented and integrative, blending psychodynamic understanding with a warm, person-centered style. This means we’ll look not only at what’s happening in your life right now, but also at the underlying patterns that may be keeping you feeling stuck. At the same time, I prioritize creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and collaborative, where you can explore at your own pace.
I have a particular interest in working with life-stage transitions, including navigating adulthood, aging, changing relationships, and evolving identity. Given my training as a yoga instructor, I also incorporate somatic awareness into my work, helping you notice how emotions show up in your body, an approach that can be especially helpful in trauma recovery.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 20 years in food and nutrition marketing and advocacy. That experience shaped my ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, all of which I bring into my clinical work.
At the core, I believe that both past and present relationships play a powerful role in shaping who we are. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to experience a different kind of relationship: one grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect, where meaningful growth and change can unfold.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
My approach to therapy is collaborative, flexible, and grounded in curiosity. I see our work together as a shared process, where we move at a pace that feels right for you and focus on what feels most meaningful in each session, whether that’s something immediate from your week or a deeper pattern that’s beginning to emerge over time.
I tend to begin by getting to know you: your history, relationships, and the experiences that have shaped your sense of self. As our work develops, we gently explore recurring emotional and relational patterns, connecting present-day challenges with past experiences, particularly in the areas of attachment, family dynamics, and life transitions.
I also incorporate somatic awareness when it feels helpful, inviting you to notice how emotions and experiences show up in your body. This can offer another pathway to understanding and can be especially valuable in working through trauma or deeply held stress.
At the core, I view myself as a guide walking alongside you, rather than an authority with all the answers. Your experience is the most important part of the process. If I offer an observation or insight that doesn’t resonate, I welcome you to say so; those moments often lead to deeper understanding.
Above all, I aim to create an environment where you feel safe to bring whatever is most present for you, knowing that we can explore it together with curiosity, respect, and care.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Natalie Shafer, LPC has +41 in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Office location
Natalie Shafer, LPC also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- National Board for Certified Counselors
Education and training
- Northwestern University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Professional memberships
- National Board for Certified Counselors
NPI number
1215878459
How soon can I make an appointment with Natalie Shafer?
Generally, Natalie Shafer has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Natalie Shafer's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Natalie Shafer accepting new patients?
Natalie Shafer generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Natalie Shafer's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Natalie Shafer accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Natalie Shafer is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Natalie Shafer online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Natalie Shafer using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Natalie Shafer work with?
Natalie Shafer works with Moonlight Wellbeing.
Where is Natalie Shafer's office located?
Natalie Shafer has 2 office locations, including in Spillertown and Chicago, view full addresses on Natalie Shafer's profile.
Which board certifications does Natalie Shafer have?
Natalie Shafer is certified by National Board for Certified Counselors.
What are common reasons for patients to see Natalie Shafer?
Natalie Shafer frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Natalie Shafer on their profile.
What languages does Natalie Shafer speak?
Natalie Shafer speaks English.