John Shafer, LCSW

John Shafer is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of practice in New York. He uses practical, evidence-informed approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, and other life challenges. John writes plainly and focuses on clear steps people can try between sessions.

John trained at Syracuse University with a Master of Social Work and built experience in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and urban and suburban clinics. That range has shaped how he tailors sessions to different routines and life demands. He has worked with people across the lifespan and with varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

He commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness strategies. Those approaches are used to address issues such as addiction, trauma, intimacy struggles, parenting strain, sleep problems, and compassion fatigue.

In sessions he emphasizes collaboration and practical skill-building. Conversations usually include identifying small, achievable changes and practicing new ways to respond to difficult thoughts and feelings. He also incorporates narrative and strengths-based ideas when they fit a person's goals.

John aims to meet people where they are and to adapt plans to real life. He encourages clients to set clear goals and to revisit them as needs change, helping people find manageable ways to cope with whatever comes next.

Approaches that translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and relationship worries. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it often helps with depression, insomnia, and coping skills. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, listening stance where the therapist follows the client's lead and supports personal growth and problem solving.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. John works collaboratively to figure out which methods fit a person's goals and daily life. That means trying techniques, checking how they feel, and adjusting the plan together over time.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow focused check-ins during a shorter break. Some approaches lend themselves to homework and practiced skills between meetings, which can be continued in online sessions just as in person. Licensed professionals aim to help clients build useful habits that carry over into everyday routines.