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John Shovels
Experience
15 years
Based in
Michigan
Sessions
Online
Languages
English

Therapist · Michigan

John Shovels

LMSW

Compassionate, practical therapy for everyday struggles

Continue with John

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License and NPI on record

LMSW
Michigan · 6801067333
NPI
1124169545

As listed on the therapist's profile. A license can be checked with the state board, and an NPI with the national NPI registry.

  • Direct and down-to-earth
  • Goal focused
  • Uses practical skills

About John

John Shovels is a licensed master social worker who focuses on helping adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and men’s issues. He speaks plainly and helps people untangle patterns that get in the way of daily life. He aims to make therapy approachable and practical so clients can start making changes quickly.

John brings 15 years of direct clinical experience to his practice and is based in Michigan. He offers leadership coaching and development alongside therapeutic work, which can help people juggling career pressures or career changes. He often uses metaphors and simple imagery to make problems easier to understand.

In sessions he looks for underlying patterns, coping habits, and relationship dynamics that contribute to ongoing distress. He helps people develop clearer strategies for handling emotions like anger, grief, or panic. He also addresses issues such as codependency, communication problems, fatherhood questions, and feelings of emptiness.

John uses practical methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to build new skills. He also draws on motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to help set and meet concrete goals. Humor and a down-to-earth tone are part of his style when it helps progress.

People who want straightforward, goal-oriented work may find his approach helpful. He emphasizes collaboration, understanding what matters most to each person, and creating steps that fit real life. To begin, readers can follow the site's process to match and schedule a first session.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepressionCoaching

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Co-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersSelf-harmWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Credentials

Michigan

Languages

English

How John Uses Practical Therapies Online

John frequently uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and panic symptoms. He also draws on dialectical behavior therapy for teaching emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills that help with anger, mood swings, and relationship strain.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. John aims to learn about each person’s goals and day-to-day challenges, then he collaborates to pick methods that fit those needs. Clients and the therapist review what’s helping and adjust the plan as needed so sessions stay useful.

Practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions into a busy schedule and reducing travel time so therapy can be more consistent. Many people find it easier to keep appointments around work or family responsibilities. Confirm the specific session options before booking, as the biography does not list formats; the therapist or site can clarify how sessions are offered and scheduled.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does John address?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, trauma, grief, intimacy and self-esteem issues, among other concerns like career stress and men’s issues.

What is his general therapeutic style?

He keeps sessions practical and down-to-earth, using plain language, metaphors, and occasional humor to make progress feel manageable.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 15 years of experience as a therapist and combines that with work in leadership coaching and development.

Where is he licensed and practicing?

He holds the LMSW credential and practices in Michigan.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people from other countries schedule with him?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

How are sessions arranged and what formats are offered?

Confirm current session options before booking by following the site process, since formats are not specified in the biography.

How does pricing and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start you complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Before you get in touch

Therapists listed here offer talking therapy online. A profile is not a diagnosis of you or of anyone in your life, and no therapist can promise how a relationship will turn out.

If you are in danger, or someone is hurting or threatening you, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline. The numbers are at the foot of this page.

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