Wanda F. Shaffer, LPC - Columbus, Georgia

Chase B.

This therapist is, without a doubt, the worst I have ever encountered. Numerous reviews corroborate my experience. Initially, I had to engage her for reunification therapy with my eldest daughter, and during our first meeting, she was rude and condescending. She contradicted the information provided by my attorney and dismissed my attempts to clarify.

Despite our poor initial encounter, I attempted coparenting therapy with her. Unfortunately, she remained unprofessional and violated my privacy by discussing unrelated cases with my ex-wife. She made hurtful comments such as “no wonder neither one of your children want to be around you” and “you don’t deserve custody of your children.” These remarks came after I expressed my frustrations about my ex-wife's refusal to coparent effectively.

The therapist expected me to compliment my ex-wife, despite the ongoing court battles and her continual obstruction of my time with our child. My ex-wife and the therapist seemed to be colluding, as they discussed topics never addressed in our sessions. The therapist lied to the GAL, but there's no way to prove it as she prohibits recordings in her office.

During this period, I was battling cancer and had to cancel a few appointments due to medical reasons and work commitments. Despite my attempts to reschedule, she ignored my calls but promptly responded to my ex-wife. It took my attorney's intervention for her to finally contact me.

Every interaction with her was marked by her apparent dislike for me, which was mutual given the circumstances. I have tried to find a new coparenting therapist, but my ex-wife refuses to cooperate, knowing I dislike Wanda. Our court order states we must use Wanda if we can't agree on another therapist, leaving me stuck.

Wanda has repeatedly recommended we find another therapist but contradicts herself when speaking to the GAL, painting me in a negative light. I haven't seen my child since November 27th due to these ongoing lies and frustrations.

I signed a release for Wanda to communicate with my therapist, who sent a detailed letter about our sessions. However, Wanda refused to reach out, citing she doesn't "chase people down." This lack of communication results in delays and will be an endless cycle of missed calls since it takes her 3 days to call back and then my therapist will have to be available when she calls back, which contradicts her stating she does not chase down people.

Given her unprofessional conduct, it's no surprise she has a poor rating. Stay away from her; no one, regardless of gender, should endure such injustice to see their child. I am not abusive, neglectful, addicted to drugs, or harmful in any way, and yet I face these obstacles. I hope this review helps someone else in their decision to use her.

Denim S.

I can’t stress enough how much of an impact Miss Wanda has made on our lives! She’s honest she’s going to give it to you straight up no chaser. She has helped me and my kids in so many ways. She reply to all my calls or text. She don’t treat you like another file she treats you like a person. Best Therapist Ever. We love her to the moon and back!! We appreciate all the help and time she has given us.

Lilly S.

Wanda is a terrible therapist. I am in a family currently undergoing reunification efforts and have witnessed these sessions, she is unprofessional, does not listen to participants in the sessions and then lies about the content of the sessions. I’m seeing my family impacted by this and it is deeply saddening. Stay away from her. On top of that she is awful a communications and will not return phone calls or emails promptly. When she does it’s with a defensive and irritated tone. So odd.

Sarah D.

We are devastated by Wanda’s unprofessionalism and lack of competence regarding reunification efforts within our family. In the beginning, we attempted to pay Wanda multiple times via credit card over the phone, through email, or through her website (we live out of state). She never returned communication and we ended up mailing a check. Magically that worked and enabled her to answer the phone to schedule another session. During the latest session Wanda was quiet, and distracted. Misunderstanding several exchanges. When asked what could be done, what exercises could take place to help between sessions, Wanda wasn’t listening and returned the question asking what ideas we had… we stated “that’s why we asked you, since you are the professional and likely have some exercises in mind?” It was confusing and odd. She stated she’d call after the session to debrief and give feedback. She did not call. We called, left messages. Finally we emailed her asking for an intentional plan and feedback. She then emailed us and dismissed us as clients, going further to state erroneous things and conversations that never took place in the session It is sad that we wasted this time and even more sad that she has this power to impact families in such a negative way, not providing healing, therapy, or direction. Shame on you Wanda.

Keriston R.

I’ve been going to Mrs.Wanda since I’ve moved here in 2006 back when I was a child. She is the kindest person I’ve ever opened up to and she taught me and my family how to speak our minds and to never keep my feelings suppressed just to please others. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am at life now.

Nova M.

As a mother of 4 children under 18, good health care is a must. Wanda has been an invaluable assest to our family. Her guidance, compassion and dedication to my children has been so beneficial. She helped my children feel empowered and facilitated thier ability to heal.

Atsila A.

I don't know where I'd be without Wanda's help I was just stuck and tired of not knowing what to do and being afraid to ask for help! I heard so many wonderful things about her I literally changed insurance providers so I could be seen by her best decision ever!!

Courtney S.

Near the end of February, we had our initial appointment with Mrs. Shaffer and scheduled my daughter’s first two sessions. The following Saturday was her first, and less than 12 hours prior, Mrs. Shaffer left a voicemail canceling last minute. We were understanding, left her a voicemail to reschedule, and never received a call back. A few weeks later, her second session was scheduled, but as you know, a few weeks into March, schools shut down and things were chaotic. I am a teacher and was working round the clock with virtual learners. My husband is active duty and was in charge of my daughter’s appointment. He has TBI and PTSD and in the midst of everything helping me with our four children, he totally forgot her appointment. We both called MULTIPLE times offering our apologies and asking to reschedule. Mrs. Shaffer has ignored us. I even called last week begging for my daughter some help, as this quarantine has really hurt her and increased her abandonment fears from her biological mother. Again, we were ignored. Poor communication is one thing. A straight lack of compassion in helping a family is another. Being discarded because we forgot one appointment in the middle of a nationwide crisis? Sorry, I do not think a lot of Mrs. Shaffer, as failing to notify a client of termination of services and failing to help that client then find other services is a violation of the GA Counselors Code of Ethics.