- Person-centered approach
- Solution-focused work
- Practical coping steps
About John
John Berst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan with 10 years of formal licensure experience and more than 30 years of work helping people. He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting and anger among other concerns. He asks people to start by telling their story so he can tailor a plan around what they actually need.
Berst describes his approach as person-centered first. He listens to the client’s situation and then builds a practical, solution-focused plan. Sessions tend to emphasize real-world steps and experiments that people can try between meetings. That practical focus is meant to keep therapy grounded in each person’s life and goals.
He highlights working with a wide range of concerns including intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, self-esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. He also lists support for LGBT clients and people managing relationship strain or family stress. The biography stresses concrete, usable techniques rather than abstract theory.
Education includes a master’s degree from Western Michigan University earned in 2010, which supported his path to state licensure. Berst says his training and education are ongoing and that he adapts his practice as he learns. He frames the work as collaborative and practical rather than prescriptive.
People who prefer straightforward conversation and clear next steps may find his style helpful. He asks for the client’s story first, then uses that information to shape work on anger, coping, mood, and relationship patterns.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
John Berst describes his practice as person-centered with a focus on practical, solution-focused techniques. Person-centered work emphasizes listening to the client’s story first and shaping goals from that information. This helps when managing anger, relationships, or mood by keeping the work grounded in what matters to the client.Solution-focused techniques concentrate on small, achievable changes. The therapist and client identify clear steps to try between meetings and then review what changed. That approach suits issues like stress, sleep problems, coping with life changes, and patterns of anger because it moves quickly from insight to action.
Deciding which approaches to use is collaborative. He will work with the client to test what fits their needs, goals, and preferences rather than prescribing a single method. Finding the right mix of listening and practical homework is part of the process.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available session types before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work and family responsibilities, allow shorter check-ins when useful, and reduce travel time. These practical benefits can help maintain consistency while working on anger, coping skills, and relationship patterns.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, grief, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, parenting, and related concerns.
How does he approach therapy?
He uses a person-centered starting point and then applies practical, solution-focused work to find steps that fit the client’s life.
How much experience does he have?
He holds an LPC and has ten years of licensure experience in Michigan with over 30 years of work helping people in various roles.
Where is he based and licensed?
He is based in Michigan and holds the credential LPC in that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are used for sessions?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.