ADHD Therapist Directory

About John

John Shafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience in New York. He uses straightforward, practical methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and ADHD-related challenges. He aims to make therapy approachable and useful from the first conversation.

He draws on several common therapy approaches to match what each person needs. That can mean learning new ways to manage difficult thoughts, practicing skills to handle strong emotions, or focusing on values and small steps toward a meaningful life.

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Background and approach

Sessions are focused and goal-oriented, with room for the issues that matter most to the individual. Shafer has worked in a wide range of settings, including rural community mental health, school-based programs, and city and suburban clinics. Over his career he has supported people with trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting stress, chronic illness, and career questions.

His background includes work with diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identity experiences. His style is collaborative and grounded. He listens first, then offers practical exercises, communication tools, and tailored coping strategies.

People can expect clear explanations, step-by-step practice, and checking in on what helps between sessions. Sessions can use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules. John works with adults facing life transitions, emotional struggles, or the daily effects of ADHD and other chronic concerns.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking small steps toward those values. It often helps with stress, anxiety, and motivation by combining mindful awareness with committed action. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's own goals and experience, with the therapist offering empathy and reflection to help people find their own solutions.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will listen to the client's goals, try methods that seem likely to help, and adjust based on what the person finds useful. That means approaches can be blended and refined over time to fit changing needs.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful when visual cues matter and for longer sessions. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or during a shorter break at work. Live chat and text messaging are helpful for quick check-ins, skill practice between sessions, or when typing feels easier than talking. These options offer flexibility so therapy can fit into busy days and different routines.
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Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does he address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other life changes.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses a practical, collaborative approach that emphasizes clear steps and skills. Sessions focus on what the person wants to change and on building tools to manage emotions and behaviors.
What background does he bring to sessions?
He has 25 years of experience working in rural community mental health, school-based settings, and city and suburban clinics. That range informs how he adapts methods to different life situations.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in New York and practices from New York.
Which languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He works via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, then scheduling according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

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Therapeutic approaches

Experience
25 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

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