John Shafer , LCSW

John Shafer is an LCSW with 25 years of clinical experience based in New York. He focuses on practical, down-to-earth work using approaches that help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy concerns, addiction, and grief. He also addresses parenting, sleep problems, career questions, ADHD, and a range of life changes that can feel overwhelming.

He uses straightforward talk and structured tools in sessions. That can mean learning skills to manage strong emotions, practicing different ways of handling conflict, or finding values that guide daily choices. Sessions are shaped around what each person needs right now and what goals they want to reach.

Over his career he has worked in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and city and suburban agencies. That background brought experience with many ages and life situations, and time working with diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identity backgrounds. These experiences inform how he listens and adapts his approach.

John draws on several evidence-based methods when they fit a person's needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered techniques. He blends skills training, problem solving, and values work rather than relying on any single method.

People who choose to work with him should expect clear goals, practical exercises to use between sessions, and a collaborative pace. He aims to help people build routines and strategies that make daily life more manageable and meaningful.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small actions that move a person toward a meaningful life. It helps with anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes by teaching ways to stay present and act on what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks closely at thoughts and behaviors and uses practical exercises to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. It often includes homework to practice new skills between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal skills; it can be useful for strong mood shifts, anger, and relationship struggles.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through goals, preferences, and daily routines to decide which methods fit best. That collaborative process means methods can be mixed and adjusted over time to match changing needs.

Online therapy is offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video can allow face-to-face conversation for skills practice, phone can fit a shorter check-in, and messaging or live chat can be used for brief updates or between-session support. These options make it easier to schedule therapy around work, caregiving, and other life demands.