- Person-centered care
- Skills and mindfulness
- Values-based goals
About John
John Shafer is an LCSW with 25 years of practice in New York. He uses practical, person-centered methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, and changes after trauma. He aims to create calm, steady discussion so clients can name problems and try small, useful steps forward.
He draws on a mix of approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered listening. Sessions focus on clear skills - for example identifying unhelpful thoughts, practicing mindfulness exercises, and building values-based goals. He also uses narrative and strengths-based ideas to help people make sense of difficult life events.
Shafer's background includes work in rural community mental health, school-based settings, city and suburban clinics. That variety shaped how he adapts strategies to different life situations and routines. He has worked with people across many age ranges and socioeconomic backgrounds and has pursued ongoing diversity training.
In practice he favors straightforward talk and stepwise plans. People can expect collaboration on goals, short-term skill building, and adjustments over time if something is not working. He pays attention to gender identity and cultural context when those issues relate to the work.
He trained at Syracuse University with a Master of Social Work and maintains the LCSW credential. The approach is practical and patient-focused, helping people cope with life changes, relationship strain, sleep problems, career stress, ADHD concerns, and disaster-related stress among other issues.
How his approaches translate to online work
John often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters and take small actions toward those values. ACT pairs simple exercises with practical steps to reduce avoidance and rebuild a meaningful routine.He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT gives concrete tools for anxiety, mood shifts, sleep problems, and many everyday stressors.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. He will work together with each person to pick methods that match their goals and preferences. That collaborative decision making lets strategies be adjusted as progress is tracked and new needs appear.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules demand it. It also lets people use mindfulness practice and behavioral exercises in the places they live and work, so skills translate directly into daily routines.
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 kinds of problems does he help address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting strain, sleep issues, career stress, and coping with life changes among other issues.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He blends person-centered listening with practical skills from ACT, CBT, and DBT. Sessions often include short exercises, mindfulness practice, and goal setting.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 25 years of social work experience across rural, school-based, city, and suburban settings, which shaped how he adapts interventions to different life situations.
What are his credentials and location?
He holds a Master of Social Work and is an LCSW licensed in New York. His practice and background are based in New York.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the country work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model 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 then schedule according to the therapist's availability.