John Shovels, LMSW
- Depression and anxiety support
- Substance misuse recovery focus
- Men’s issues and leadership
About John Shovels
His practice commonly supports concerns such as depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and men’s issues, and he also provides leadership coaching and development. He draws from evidence-based methods that emphasize personal growth and practical change, tailoring the work to the goals and needs each person brings to therapy.
John’s style is open-minded and supportive, creating space to examine difficult emotions, work through past experiences, and strengthen everyday coping skills. He may incorporate appropriate humor, along with metaphors and visual ways of thinking, to make complex patterns easier to recognize and address. Throughout the process, he aims to help clients understand what is driving their challenges, develop healthier strategies, and move toward positive, sustainable change.
Outside of his professional role, he is a husband and a father of three adult children, and shares his home with two dogs and a cat.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does John Shovels have?
John Shovels has 15 years of experience as a therapist.
Is John Shovels a licensed therapist?
Yes. John Shovels is a licensed therapist and holds the credential LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker). His license information is MI LMSW 6801067333.
In which languages does John Shovels provide therapy?
John Shovels provides therapy in English.
Where is John Shovels located?
John Shovels is located in Michigan.
How can I work with John Shovels as my therapist?
You can work with John Shovels through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This allows you to choose the format that best fits your schedule and communication style.
Does John Shovels work with international clients?
No. John Shovels does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with John Shovels 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.
Evidence-Based Tools for Online Therapy and Real-Life Change
John Shovels, LMSW, draws on practical, evidence-based approaches that translate well to online care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients notice how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another, and then practice new ways of responding to stressors. It is often useful for concerns like anxiety, depression, and everyday overwhelm.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and more effective communication. It can be especially helpful when emotions feel intense, relationships feel strained, or coping habits are not working as well as they once did. Motivational Interviewing can also support change by exploring ambivalence with respect and curiosity, helping clients strengthen their own reasons and readiness for different choices, including around substance use and other patterns.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. John collaborates with clients to clarify goals, understand what has and has not helped in the past, and choose strategies that fit their preferences and pace.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to stay consistent, fit sessions into a busy week, and continue working on goals between appointments.