- ACT approach
- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
About John
John Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 25 years of experience. He works with adults on common problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, parenting, and anger. He also addresses trauma, grief, addictions, sleep problems, and questions around identity and intimacy.
He trained at Syracuse University School of Social Work and began his career in 1998. Early work was in rural community mental health and school-based settings. He later practiced in city and suburban agencies, which exposed him to a wide range of life situations and resources.
His background includes clinical work with people across the lifespan and across socioeconomic backgrounds. He has led individual sessions, group therapy, and couple sessions. That mix shaped how he approaches practical problems like communication and coping with life changes.
John uses several therapy methods that focus on thoughts, behavior, and values. He often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered ideas. He also uses mindfulness and narrative elements to help people notice patterns and try different responses.
In sessions he aims for clear, practical steps rather than jargon. He works together with each person to set goals and try techniques that fit their daily life. People can expect focused work on things like anger, stress at work, or grief while learning skills to manage reactions and rebuild connections.
He practices in New York and offers services in English. Before booking, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling details.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take small steps toward those values while learning to notice and let go of unhelpful thoughts. It can be useful for anger, grief, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thought patterns and testing practical behavior changes to reduce distress and improve problem solving. That approach often helps with anxiety, depression, and workplace stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication, which can be helpful for anger and relationship conflicts.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to decide which methods to try based on their goals and what feels useful. That means testing techniques, reviewing results, and adjusting the plan together rather than promising a single fixed method.
Confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They can also let someone choose audio-only sessions if they prefer less bandwidth or want a simpler setup. Ask about session length and any available formats when scheduling so arrangements match daily life and practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, anger, addictions, grief, sleep problems, parenting questions, and related issues listed in his specialties.
What is his therapy style like?
He uses practical, skills-focused methods and talks through thoughts and behaviors. Sessions emphasize action steps from approaches such as ACT, CBT, and DBT.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 25 years of experience in social work, including rural, school-based, city, and suburban mental health settings.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an LCSW licensed in New York and practices in New York.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.