John Shafer, LCSW
Client-centered therapy grounded in experience
- ACT CBT DBT support
- Individual couples group therapy
- Culturally sensitive care
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. He earned his Master of Social Work from Syracuse University’s School of Social Work in 1998 and has built his career by learning from highly credentialed, seasoned professionals while continuing to strengthen his clinical skills over time.
His background includes work in rural community mental health, school-based mental health programs, and both city and suburban settings. This varied experience has helped him connect with individuals and families from many different environments, socioeconomic backgrounds, and age groups - from early childhood through older adulthood. He has also participated in ongoing diversity training and has worked to develop culturally sensitive ways of addressing identity and gender expression within therapy.
Over the course of his career, John has developed counseling and psychotherapy skills grounded in evidence-based models. He most often draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating mindfulness and other strengths-oriented methods as appropriate. He has provided individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, and emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered process focused on practical, person-centered goals.
His background includes work in rural community mental health, school-based mental health programs, and both city and suburban settings. This varied experience has helped him connect with individuals and families from many different environments, socioeconomic backgrounds, and age groups - from early childhood through older adulthood. He has also participated in ongoing diversity training and has worked to develop culturally sensitive ways of addressing identity and gender expression within therapy.
Over the course of his career, John has developed counseling and psychotherapy skills grounded in evidence-based models. He most often draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating mindfulness and other strengths-oriented methods as appropriate. He has provided individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, and emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered process focused on practical, person-centered goals.
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 licensed as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). His license is 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 works best for your needs and scheduling.
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 such as 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 to help 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.
Therapy Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care
John Shafer, LCSW, draws from practical, evidence-based approaches that can work well in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions. It helps clients notice unhelpful patterns and develop skills for responding differently, which can be especially useful when working through stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in building psychological flexibility - learning to make room for difficult thoughts or feelings while also taking steps toward what matters most. ACT is often helpful for coping with life changes, grief, and ongoing stressors, and it can complement mindfulness-based practices.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skill-building in areas like emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be a strong fit for clients who want structured tools for managing intense emotions and improving communication.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. John works collaboratively with clients to clarify goals, understand preferences, and choose strategies that feel realistic and supportive over time.
Online therapy also offers flexibility in how sessions happen - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This range of options can make it easier to stay consistent, fit therapy into a busy schedule, and access support from wherever it is most convenient.