- Values driven approach
- Skills for daily life
- Collaborative care
About John
John Shafer is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. He practices in New York and uses straightforward, practical methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges.
He favors approaches that focus on values, present-moment awareness, and changing unhelpful patterns. That look includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral ideas, and mindfulness practices. Sessions tend to center on clear goals, skills people can use between meetings, and talking through what matters most to the person.
Over his career he has worked in rural community mental health, school-based programs, and urban and suburban settings. That variety exposed him to many life situations and age ranges, from young children to older adults, and to people from different economic and cultural backgrounds. He also developed work addressing gender identity in a culturally sensitive way.
John has provided individual, couples, and group formats during his career and draws on several therapy models to fit a person’s needs. He emphasizes collaboration and practical techniques rather than jargon. People who come to him often leave with concrete steps they can use in daily life.
He holds a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University and practices as an LCSW in New York. Language of service is English and he does not take international clients. To begin, prospective clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
John commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small, committed actions toward them while accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and shaping the work around what the person finds most important. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at patterns of thought and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful habits.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works together with each person to identify what feels most useful based on needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative decision guides which methods are emphasized in sessions and what homework or practice is recommended between meetings.
Session formats are not specified in the supplied biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit more easily into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, reduce travel time, and make it simpler to use skills between sessions. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, client-centered methods, and CBT to work well in a remote setting while focusing on practical strategies that transfer into everyday life.
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 he address?
John works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, parenting strain, anger, and self-esteem.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses practical, goal-focused methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, dialectical behavior ideas, and client-centered techniques to build skills and clarify values.
What kind of background does he bring?
He has 25 years of clinical experience across rural, school-based, urban, and suburban settings and experience working with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York and holds a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.