Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Shapiro
Hi Tiffany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I entered this field with doe-eyed optimism. As I’ve deepened my understanding of myself and the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of working with, I’ve come to realize that humanity is both complex and beautiful. Life can be both challenging and exquisitely beautiful. I embrace the messiness of human existence, finding beauty in the process of navigating life’s difficulties. My curiosity about the human experience and how our life journeys shape us fuels my wonder at the continuous evolution and growth we go through throughout our lives. We live within imperfect systems—global, communal, familial, and internal—and I feel a strong ethical commitment to exploring my role within all of these contexts.
I went back to school in my 40s to earn dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration. I find incredible value in how our intergenerational, familial, and personal stories intersect with our sense of self, worth, and belonging, and are impacted by the systems we live/work within. This interplay—from the deepest parts of ourselves to the communal and universal—fascinates me. My own life has been marked by so many transitions, and I hope to continue growing and wondering for the rest of my life. It is a true honor to witness and share the journey with others as they navigate their own paths.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We’ve been building this airplane while we’re flying it. One of the biggest challenges in running a therapy practice is balancing caring for our community and fostering the healing of individuals and systems, while also managing the practical realities of running a business and paying the bills. My goal is to create a supportive environment where other therapists can start their private practices with a softer landing and without the burden of excessive startup costs, expanding access to affordable and inclusive therapy services.
Another significant challenge is managing the emotional weight of holding and witnessing our clients’ stories and trauma while also navigating our own lives, personal challenges, and, often, our own trauma histories. Many of us enter this field due to our own journeys. We hold space for both beautiful and difficult stories of resilience and suffering. With burnout being prevalent in this profession, supporting therapists effectively also means supporting the work they do with their clients.
As a social worker, I’m acutely aware of the systemic barriers many of my clients face. I continually learn from them and gain insights into how local, national, and global politics, financial constraints, and other systemic factors impact our lives. Balancing the individual’s needs within these systems while advocating for broader change is both challenging and profoundly valuable work.
We’ve been impressed with Ogden Therapy Cooperative, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ogden Therapy Cooperative was founded in June 2022 to create a collaborative space for professionally licensed therapists committed to providing inclusive, multiculturally sensitive, and affirming clinical services in Ogden, Utah. We are a community of therapists passionate about inclusivity, social justice, and lifelong learning. Recognizing the importance of a supportive network, we are here to help therapists connect with each other, grow professionally, and maintain our own well-being as we support our clients’ healing journeys.
I am proud to say that we have supported six therapists, including myself, in starting and expanding their private practices. We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of multicultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and equitable therapy. Additionally, I am committed to education and support for emerging therapists and have served as a field supervisor for two clinical graduate-level interns.
Our office space reflects our commitment to the local community through its art, color, and warmth, showcasing local landscapes. We prioritize working with local artists and businesses, particularly those that are queer-, BIPOC-, and women-owned. Our furniture is chosen for comfort and safety for all bodies, and we provide a gathering space for the local transgender/nonbinary/Two Spirit/gender queer community with a peer-led social support group. I am an active member of both the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapists Guild of Utah and WPATH/USPATH, and I pursue continuing education to better serve our local queer community. Therapists who join the Cooperative agree to uphold these standards as well.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I absolutely love Ogden! It offers all the benefits of a city with the warm, close-knit feel of a community. I’m so grateful to both live and work here. The local music scene, including Ogden Twilight, is fantastic, and I enjoy the vibrant nightlife and local art community activities. I also relish the outdoor opportunities and the stunning natural beauty right in our backyard—I’m a big fan of paddleboarding and kayaking! Having Weber State University nearby is a huge plus, and I’m thrilled to be hosting a graduate student intern this year. I even take a few classes at the university each semester just for fun. The diversity of Ogden and our celebration of it is something I deeply appreciate.
Pricing:
- Insurance coverage, cash, and sliding scale available for therapy services
- Affordable membership for therapists joining the Cooperative
- Affordable by-the-hour/hours pricing for subleasing office space
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ogdentherapycooperative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/otcutah
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogdentherapycooperative
