CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

JS Portrait of John Shovels

John Shovels

Compassionate, practical therapy for everyday challenges

LMSW Michigan

Experience
15 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Languages
English
Continue with John

About John

John Shovels is a licensed social worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan who works with adults seeking clearer coping strategies and personal growth. With 15 years of clinical experience, he helps people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and a wide range of life transitions.

Background and approach

He also addresses relationship and intimacy-related concerns, career questions, grief, and recurring patterns such as codependency and family of origin issues. He draws on evidence-based methods to create practical, goal-oriented plans tailored to each client.

John integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to help identify unhelpful thoughts, build emotion regulation skills, and strengthen motivation for change. He often uses metaphors and visual imagery to clarify problems and make strategies easier to apply in daily life.

Clients can expect a collaborative, down-to-earth approach that balances focused skill building with space to explore emotions and past experiences. John aims to help people become more resilient, recognize underlying patterns that hold them back, and take concrete steps toward improved well-being and more satisfying relationships.

Approaches for Online Growth and Practical Skills



John commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic. He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills useful for intense emotions and relationship challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. John works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs and goals, and he adjusts plans as progress unfolds so the work stays practical and relevant.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care more accessible and fit into daily life. These formats allow for flexible scheduling, easier access from home or work, and ongoing connection between appointments so skills and insights can be practiced and reinforced.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can John help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem struggles, career transitions, bipolar and mood disorders, panic, and related problems listed in his profile.
What is his therapeutic style and approach?
John uses evidence-based, goal-focused methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to teach skills, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and strengthen motivation.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 15 years of experience working as a therapist and has spent that time refining practical, skills-oriented approaches to help clients make tangible progress.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
John holds an LMSW with licence details MI LMSW 6801067333 and practices in Michigan.
Does he offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with him?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to his availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoaching

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Co-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersSelf-harmWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English