- 25 years experience
- LCSW in New York
- Focus on coping skills
About John
John Shafer is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. He earned a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University and has built a long career helping people manage life stress, mood problems, and difficult transitions.
He uses practical therapy methods that help people name what matters and take small steps toward change. Sessions tend to focus on what a person wants their life to look like and on building skills to handle strong feelings and painful situations. John draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and mindfulness to guide the work.
His background includes work in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and both city and suburban programs. That variety shaped his skill at working with people from different ages and economic backgrounds. He has experience supporting people coping with chronic illness, caregiving strain, grief, addiction, and relationship stress.
Over the years he developed group and individual therapy skills and worked with diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identity expressions in culturally sensitive ways. John aims to help people clarify goals, reduce unhelpful patterns, and rebuild day-to-day coping.
People who want a collaborative, down-to-earth approach may find his style a good fit. He encourages straightforward conversation and practical steps that can fit into an everyday routine.
He uses practical therapy methods that help people name what matters and take small steps toward change. Sessions tend to focus on what a person wants their life to look like and on building skills to handle strong feelings and painful situations. John draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and mindfulness to guide the work.
His background includes work in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and both city and suburban programs. That variety shaped his skill at working with people from different ages and economic backgrounds. He has experience supporting people coping with chronic illness, caregiving strain, grief, addiction, and relationship stress.
Over the years he developed group and individual therapy skills and worked with diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identity expressions in culturally sensitive ways. John aims to help people clarify goals, reduce unhelpful patterns, and rebuild day-to-day coping.
People who want a collaborative, down-to-earth approach may find his style a good fit. He encourages straightforward conversation and practical steps that can fit into an everyday routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and take small steps toward them even when feelings are difficult. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, chronic health challenges, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical behavior changes to reduce symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works together with each person to choose methods that match their goals, daily routines, and what feels most helpful. Sessions can combine techniques from ACT, CBT, and mindfulness depending on what the person needs.
Confirm the current online session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, keep regular follow-ups, and use short check-ins when days are hectic. It can also allow for longer skill-practice between meetings and flexible scheduling that helps therapy stay part of everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does John commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, parenting strain, ADHD, and many other life challenges.
What is his general therapy style?
He takes a collaborative, person-centered approach that combines practical skills and values-based work to help people manage emotions and make meaningful changes.
How long has he been practicing?
John has 25 years of experience working in community mental health, schools, and urban and suburban settings.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and practices out of New York.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.