John Shafer, LCSW

John Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 25 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, addictions, and codependency concerns. He also supports people dealing with grief, career strain, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem issues, and caregiving stress.

John trained in social work at Syracuse University and built his early career in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and both city and suburban clinics. That variety shaped his approach to different life stages and living situations. He has worked with people across a wide age range and from many economic and cultural backgrounds.

His practice draws on several evidence-informed approaches. He commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, narrative work, and solution-focused techniques. Sessions focus on clear goals, skills practice, and strategies to manage strong emotions and recurring patterns that leave people putting others first.

John has experience running individual therapy, group sessions, and couples work, and he applies client-centered principles in every setting. He emphasizes practical tools people can try between sessions, straightforward discussion of patterns like people-pleasing or boundary difficulties, and collaborative planning for next steps.

People who come to John can expect direct, goal-oriented conversations about what is getting in the way of their wellbeing. He helps break down problems into manageable steps and supports clients as they practice new ways of relating to themselves and others.

How his approaches translate to online work