Chester River Behavioral

​Licensed Psychologist

Licensed as a psychologist in the state of Maryland since 1999, Dr. Schaefer provides outpatient psychotherapy, assessment and consultation services through the offices of Chester River Behavioral Health. Her experience includes three years of service coordinating child and adolescent public mental health services in the mid-shore; clinical consultation and program development to Kent Youth, Inc; clinical consultation and psychotherapy services to students in Kent County Public Schools; classroom instruction to undergraduate students at the Catholic University and Washington College; student training in peer mediation; and training of conflict resolution for bus drivers and support staff in Kent County Public Schools. Her experience in program development includes such accomplishments as: co-authorship of a 5-level behavioral system implemented in group homes for delinquent youth; development of a sports-based summer curriculum for at risk youth; development of a program in behavioral management for bus drivers; and, development of a peer mentoring program designed to reduce conflict and improve safety on school buses. She has presented to large groups of interagency personnel on Systems-based Interventions for Maximizing Agency/Interagency Roles; to parents on Finding Resiliency; and DSS foster and adoptive parents on mental health issues in childhood. Most recently she has added to her resume training in the practice of Collaborative Law.  She is a member of the Maryland Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.

Philosophy of Care

I see mental health as a cornerstone to personal wellness: Where we are able to feel emotionally strong or stable, our lives are richer; problems easier to solve or manage; and, health is better: We will enjoy the riches of personal relationships and find balance between work, leisure, family and friends. My approach in therapy is to "follow-behind"—to listen intently and collaborate with the individual client or family towards the accomplishment of their personal therapeutic goal(s). I am non-directive though approach problems from the angle of identifying and employing effective solutions. I think extensively with clients about the interrelationships of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors from a variety of theoretical perspectives. No one theory drives my practice; more it is the needs and comfort of the client. With children and adolescents, I work to understand the developmental capacity, strengths and weaknesses of each youth and assist parents in setting reasonable goals and expectations for their child(ren).