John Shafer
A practical, collaborative approach to lasting change
LCSW New York
- Experience
- 25 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About John
John Shafer is an LCSW based in New York who centers his work on evidence-informed approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He brings 25 years of practice to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, addiction, and a broad range of life adjustments.
Background and approach
His style emphasizes collaborative goal-setting and practical strategies drawn from CBT, ACT, DBT, and client-centered methods to address symptoms and everyday challenges. His background includes work in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and urban and suburban programs, which shaped a flexible approach to different life circumstances and cultural contexts.
Over the years he has developed skills in individual, couples, and group formats, and has experience across diverse age ranges and socioeconomic backgrounds. He also works with issues such as grief, parenting, sleep problems, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and career concerns.
Shafer frames therapy as a joint process that blends skills training, mindfulness, and exploration of values to support change. He holds the New York license LCSW 071443 and uses a client-centered orientation to tailor interventions to each person's needs and goals.
Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors through practical techniques such as activity scheduling, cognitive restructuring, and skills practice; it is frequently used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday difficulties. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes clarifying personal values and learning acceptance and mindfulness strategies so people can take committed action toward meaningful goals even when uncomfortable feelings are present. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the therapist listens deeply and supports the client's self-directed growth.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals and then blend methods from CBT, ACT, DBT, and client-centered practice as appropriate. Treatment plans are tailored over time so techniques fit the individual's life and objectives.
Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for scheduling and access from home or other locations. These formats allow for ongoing skills practice, check-ins between sessions, and options that suit varying comfort levels and lifestyles, making it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing daily responsibilities.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English