Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Anger management
- Depression
- Coaching
How John works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LMSW
- Licensed in
- Michigan
- Years in practice
- 15
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About John
John Shovels, LMSW, works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction concerns, anger, and relationship or career strains. He focuses on helping people build clearer coping strategies and stronger day-to-day habits. He speaks directly and keeps meetings practical so you can use what you learn right away.
John brings 15 years of therapy experience to his practice in Michigan. He draws on approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help people notice patterns and change unhelpful habits.
Background and approach
He also uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused ideas when a more goal-driven plan fits. Sessions tend to mix short-term problem solving with work on deeper patterns. Expect conversations about what’s happening now and small experiments to try between sessions.
He often uses simple metaphors and visual examples to make ideas easier to use in daily life. John also offers coaching around leadership and life direction for people who want practical steps toward goals. He aims to help people understand family of origin issues, codependency, fatherhood concerns, and midlife transitions where these show up in daily life.
Clients describe him as open minded and occasionally humorous, with a focus on honest discussion and workable change. He helps people track progress and adjust plans so the next steps are clear.
What John works with
Everything John lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in John's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Anger management
- Depression
- Coaching
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Narcissism
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Personality disorders
- Self-harm
- Workplace issues
Approaches John lists
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How John blends approaches for online care
John commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT focuses on clear links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and works well for anxiety, depression, and anger patterns.He also draws on dialectical behavior therapy skills to teach practical tools for managing strong emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills are useful when people need ways to tolerate distress and handle intense reactions without making things worse.
Choosing an approach is collaborative. John will discuss your goals and preferences, try small steps, and adjust methods based on what feels most useful. The plan evolves with your feedback so the work stays relevant.
Online sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face conversation and screen sharing for worksheets. Phone sessions can be easier if bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to use video. Live chat or messaging lets you check in with shorter updates or between-session support without scheduling a full call.
Questions people ask about John
What concerns does John address in sessions?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, relationship strain, trauma and related issues like grief and self-esteem.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is practical and straightforward, mixing short-term problem solving with work on longer patterns. He uses visual examples and metaphors to clarify ideas.
What is his professional background?
He has 15 years of therapy experience and holds a Licensed Master Social Worker credential, listed as LMSW.
Where is he based and licensed?
He practices in Michigan and holds the credential noted as LMSW in his profile.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does he offer?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is payment handled and what does it cost?
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, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.