Kathryn Shafer completed her doctorate designing and conducting a substance abuse training program in the former Soviet Union. This international research was a pioneering effort examining the knowledge and practice interventions utilized by health care providers. For over 25 Dr. Shafer has taught at several Universities, works as a clinician, professor, administrator, trainer, and consultant for profit and non-profit mental health and substance abuse treatment organizations in New York City and Florida. Dr. Shafer has presented at over 42 conferences internationally as a key note and guest lecturer and numerous radio and television appearances to discuss topics pertaining to stress, mental health, substance abuse, trauma, spirituality, and mindbody practices with individuals, families, and older adults.

Currently, she is an educator, author, and clinician in private practice in Southeast Florida. Her private practice focuses on interventions with teenagers, couples, adults (addiction, relationships, anxiety, depression), and conducts groups and seminars for Professional Women. As a Professor, she has taught at many universities, and has conducted research in substance abuse prevention, sexual trauma, and international addiction treatment(Costa Rica and Russia). As a Research Fellow at Lehman College in the Bronx of New York City, Dr. Shafer integrated substance abuse content into the social work curriculum, funded through the New York State Addiction Technology Transfer Center. As a consultant and trainer, Dr. Shafer conducts workshops on a variety of topics including stress management, supervision, and staff development. As a qualified supervisor, she trains clinicians seeking licensure.
She has numerous publications including a book she co-authored entitled Asthma Free in 21 Days: The Breakthrough Mindbody Healing Program published by Harper-Collins, in paperback by St. Martins Press. She is Review Board Member of the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions,