- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction recovery
- LGBT support
About John
John Dinauer is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 30 years of practice. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and big life changes. He also supports people in the LGBT community and those questioning life purpose.
He focuses on concrete problems that leave people stuck or overwhelmed. Sessions often address coping with isolation, managing substance or process addictions, and handling communication breakdowns. He also works with concerns tied to aging, chronic illness, midlife shifts, and men’s issues.
In sessions he listens for what is not working and helps people build practical strategies. That can mean breaking large problems into smaller steps, practicing ways to manage strong feelings, or trying new ways to talk with others. He aims to help clients find clearer day-to-day routines and steadier ways of responding to stress.
He has long experience with alternative sexual cultures and with questions around BDSM and kink, and he brings that into conversation without judgement. He also has a history supporting people living with HIV and those coping with chronic pain or disability.
Clients can expect straightforward discussion about goals and options. John uses approaches grounded in evidence to guide sessions and tracks progress over time. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session via the online options button.
Approaches that guide online sessions
John uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to structure sessions and help people make measurable changes. One approach focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms; it involves learning practical skills and trying them between sessions. Another approach emphasizes relapse prevention and behavior change for addictions, including mapping triggers, building alternative routines, and planning for setbacks.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client review goals, preferences, and what seems to help, and then adapt methods over time. That collaborative process helps shape clear steps and short-term targets to test in everyday life.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, care responsibilities, or medical appointments. They can also allow shorter check-ins when a quick adjustment is needed, or sessions without video when bandwidth is limited. Licensed professionals can use these options to help therapy fit into a person's routine rather than adding extra travel time.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and coping with life changes including midlife challenges and issues around life purpose.
How does he approach feeling stuck?
He breaks larger problems into manageable steps and focuses on practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning.
What is his level of experience?
He has 30 years of clinical experience working with adults on mental health, addiction, and life transition issues.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an Illinois LCSW and practices from Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.