- Values focused
- Skill oriented
- Longstanding experience
About John
John Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of practice in New York. He uses practical, person-centered methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and other concerns. John emphasizes straightforward conversation and concrete steps people can try between sessions.
He trained with Syracuse University's School of Social Work and built experience across rural community mental health, school-based settings, and urban and suburban practices. That variety shaped his approach to working with people from different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds.
John draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, client-centered approaches, and mindfulness. He blends these methods to fit the needs and goals a person brings to the room. Sessions focus on what a person wants to change and on small, doable actions to move toward those goals.
Over his career he has worked with a wide range of concerns including trauma and abuse, relationship issues, grief, sleeping problems, ADHD, and work-related strain. He also addresses more specific areas such as abandonment, adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and communication problems.
John aims to make therapy a collaborative process. He listens to what matters most to each person and helps set clear priorities. People who choose him can expect a steady, practical orientation with attention to values, coping skills, and real-life problem solving.
Approaches that translate to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters most and taking small steps toward those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with anxiety, depression, and major life transitions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is useful for stress, mood problems, sleep issues, and many common concerns.
Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and working at a person’s pace so goals come from the person rather than the clinician. It supports exploration of identity, relationships, and self-esteem.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That process may shift over time as priorities change.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Many people find remote sessions help fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it easier to attend from different locations. Online work can support the same skills-based learning and values-focused work described above when a licensed professional and the client agree on a plan.
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 concerns does John address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, ADHD, and many relationship and life-change struggles.
What is his general therapy style?
John uses a person-centered, practical style that combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness to create concrete steps people can try.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of experience working in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and urban and suburban practices.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an NY LCSW credential and practices in New York.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not list specific formats.
How are fees handled?
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.