Profile / United States
John Shafer, LCSW
New York
LCSW in New York - stress and relationships
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment
- Mindfulness methods
About John
John Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York with 25 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and depression. He works with people who also struggle with grief, addiction, sleep problems, parenting strains, and career or life-change issues. Sessions are practical and focused on everyday problems and coping skills.
He trained at Syracuse University with a master of social work and has worked in rural community mental health, school-based programs, and urban and suburban settings. That variety shaped how he approaches different life situations and family dynamics. He has worked with adults across many age ranges and with people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
His approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside acceptance and commitment ideas and client-centered practice. He also uses dialectical behavior methods and existential perspectives when they fit a person's needs. In session he emphasizes clear, actionable steps rather than lengthy theory discussions.
John has experience running individual, couples, and group work, which informed his practical counseling skills. He pays attention to communication patterns, attachment concerns, and skills for managing emotion and behavior. He uses mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to help people practice new responses.
People who work with him can expect a focus on concrete strategies - noticing unhelpful thoughts, trying new behaviors, and tracking what changes. He frames goals with the person and adjusts methods based on how well things are working.
How his approaches translate to online work
John commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thought patterns and test new behaviors, which works well in online sessions because exercises and tracking can be shared and reviewed together. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take committed actions even when feelings are difficult. Client-centered approaches focus on the person's concerns and pace, letting the therapist follow the person's priorities.Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with the person to decide which approaches fit best based on goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is observed. That collaborative process helps keep sessions focused and practical.
Session format details are not listed in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings around work, caregiving, or travel, and they can allow for brief check-ins or longer weekly sessions as needed. Talk with the therapist during the matching questionnaire and first session about which pacing and session length will work best for everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, depression, addictions, grief, sleep problems, parenting strain, career changes, ADHD, and related concerns.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and then try practical alternatives. Sessions often include simple exercises and homework to practice new skills between meetings.
What is his professional background and experience?
He has 25 years of clinical experience and earned a master of social work from Syracuse University in 1998, with work across rural, school-based, urban, and suburban settings.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.