- Person-centered support
- Practical coping skills
- Focus on sleep
About John
John Shafer is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of practice in New York. He uses straightforward, person-centered methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and life changes. He combines practical strategies with conversational work so clients can try small changes between sessions.
He trained at Syracuse University School of Social Work and has worked in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and urban and suburban clinics. That variety shaped his approach and gave experience with many ages and life situations. He has worked with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
In sessions he draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered practice. He also uses mindfulness and narrative ideas when they fit the person’s goals. Sessions focus on clear steps, skills practice, and understanding how patterns get started.
John has helped people address a wide range of concerns including relationship strain, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, grief, parenting stress, ADHD, and sleeping difficulties. He describes therapy as a collaborative effort where the client’s priorities guide the work.
He offers individual and group formats in his work history and has experience providing couple sessions as part of past roles. To begin, people complete a matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values and take actions that match those values. It often focuses on reducing the influence of unhelpful thoughts so someone can do more of what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the therapist’s listening, empathy, and support so the person feels heard and can find their own solutions.Choosing an approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try techniques, and adjust the focus based on what helps. That collaborative process makes it easier to find methods that fit the person’s needs and day-to-day life.
Confirm current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it simpler to fit meetings into busy schedules and reduce travel time. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when that fits a work break or a quieter moment. Talk with the therapist about how sessions can be arranged to match routines and responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting and sleep problems.
How would therapy feel day to day with him?
The style is collaborative and conversational with an emphasis on practical steps. Sessions often include skills practice, mindfulness, and exercises to try between meetings.
What is his background and experience?
He has 25 years of clinical experience and has worked in rural, school-based, urban, and suburban settings across a broad age range.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing 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 scheduled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.