John Shafer, LCSW
Experienced, client-centered therapy for life’s challenges
- ACT CBT DBT skills
- Individual couples group work
- Across ages and backgrounds
About John Shafer
John Shafer, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience supporting people across a wide range of life circumstances and settings. He earned his Master of Social Work from Syracuse University in 1998 and has intentionally built his career by learning from highly credentialed, experienced professionals while continually strengthening his clinical skills.
Over the years, John has worked in rural community mental health, school-based programs, and both city and suburban environments. This breadth of experience has helped him adapt his approach to fit the person in front of him, whether that means supporting young children, adults, or older adults. His background includes working with individuals from varied socio-economic experiences, as well as ongoing diversity training that has informed culturally sensitive care across many racial and ethnic backgrounds and across different expressions of gender identity.
John brings a strong counseling and psychotherapy foundation to his work and commonly draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with mindfulness and other strengths-based, solution-focused methods. He has provided individual, couples, and group therapy, and he emphasizes collaboration to help clients clarify goals and move toward practical, person-centered change.
Over the years, John has worked in rural community mental health, school-based programs, and both city and suburban environments. This breadth of experience has helped him adapt his approach to fit the person in front of him, whether that means supporting young children, adults, or older adults. His background includes working with individuals from varied socio-economic experiences, as well as ongoing diversity training that has informed culturally sensitive care across many racial and ethnic backgrounds and across different expressions of gender identity.
John brings a strong counseling and psychotherapy foundation to his work and commonly draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with mindfulness and other strengths-based, solution-focused methods. He has provided individual, couples, and group therapy, and he emphasizes collaboration to help clients clarify goals and move toward practical, person-centered change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does John Shafer have?
John Shafer has 25 years of experience as a therapist.
Is John Shafer a licensed therapist?
Yes. John Shafer is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York. License: NY LCSW 071443.
In which languages does John Shafer provide therapy?
John Shafer provides therapy in English.
Where is John Shafer located?
John Shafer is located in New York.
How can I work with John Shafer as my therapist?
You can work with John Shafer through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what you prefer and what is available.
Does John Shafer work with international clients?
No. John Shafer does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with John Shafer cost?
The cost of therapy can vary based on factors like your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Evidence-based approaches, delivered online with flexibility
John Shafer, LCSW, draws from several well-known therapy models to help clients build practical coping strategies and move toward meaningful change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, then practicing new ways of responding - an approach often used for concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them, while clarifying personal values and taking steps aligned with what matters most. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds structured, skills-based support for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication, which many clients find useful when life feels overwhelming or reactive patterns are hard to break.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. John works collaboratively with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and what has or has not been helpful before, then tailors sessions accordingly as needs evolve over time.
Online therapy can make it easier to stay consistent with support. Sessions may take place through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering options that fit different schedules, comfort levels, and day-to-day demands.