- CBT
- DBT
- Motivational Interviewing
About John
John Shovels is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) with 15 years of clinical practice. He works mainly with adults who are feeling stuck after changes in work, relationships, or health. Common concerns he addresses include depression, anxiety, substance misuse, men's issues, and questions about life purpose.
He uses straightforward, practical conversations and sometimes light humor. He often uses metaphors and images to make patterns clearer. Sessions focus on identifying what matters to the client and building concrete coping skills.
John draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help people recognize unhelpful thinking and practice new responses. He also uses Motivational Interviewing to support change and Solution-Focused Therapy to set short-term goals. These methods are tools he selects to match a person's needs and pace.
He has a background in social work and trained at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He combines clinical experience with experience in leadership coaching and development. That means conversations may include practical career or role-related planning as well as emotional work.
In sessions he tends to be direct and practical. People meet to talk through emotions, look at patterns from family of origin or fatherhood issues, and try small experiments between meetings. The focus is on clearer thinking, steadier mood, and actionable steps for coping with life changes.
John works in Michigan and offers sessions in English. Prospective clients are asked to use the directory's matching process to select an online therapy option, complete a short questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
John uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this often involves short exercises and homework that fit between sessions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills through practical steps and practice in daily life.Finding the right approach is part of the work. John will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they decide whether CBT, DBT techniques, motivational interviewing, or solution-focused steps make the most sense for the situation.
The practical benefits of online sessions include fitting therapy into a busy schedule and making it easier to check in from different locations. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm available options through the directory before booking. This helps ensure sessions match your routine, whether you need shorter check-ins, a quieter setting, or a format that avoids video.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he focus on?
He focuses on depression, anxiety, substance misuse, men's issues, and life purpose concerns among adults.
How does he approach feeling stuck or directionless?
He uses practical conversation, metaphors, and short experiments to clarify patterns and try new coping strategies.
What experience does he bring to sessions?
He has 15 years of clinical practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker and experience in leadership coaching.
Where is his practice based and what credential does he hold?
He practices in Michigan and holds the credential LMSW, listed as MI LMSW.
Which languages can sessions be held in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are used?
Please confirm the current session options before booking by using the directory matching process, as formats are not specified in the biography.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; start by using the See online therapy options button and completing the short matching questionnaire.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.