- Anxiety and mood help
- Skills and coping
- Coaching and growth
About John
John Shovels is a licensed master social worker with 15 years working directly with adults who want relief from anxiety, stress, or mood problems. He focuses on practical help for everyday struggles like panic attacks, substance misuse, depression, and relationship concerns. John writes plainly, uses a bit of humor when useful, and aims to make sessions feel understandable and workable.
He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach skills for managing strong emotions and shifting unhelpful thought patterns. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy shape short-term goal work and change-oriented conversations. Sessions often include metaphors, simple exercises, and concrete steps to try between meetings.
John trained in social work at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and describes his work as adult-focused. He invites people to look at patterns that come from family of origin, past hurts, or life transitions, and to build new ways of coping. He also offers leadership coaching and development alongside clinical work.
Clients can expect a calm, direct style aimed at making progress you can notice. He emphasizes understanding the root of problems while teaching tools to manage panic, anger, or mood swings. John values each person’s unique story and works together with them to set realistic goals.
Outside of practice he is a husband and father of three adult children, and he mentions that a light touch of humor and visual metaphors can help make difficult topics easier to talk about.
How therapy approaches translate to online work
John commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like panic and persistent worry. Sessions often include short exercises and homework to try between meetings. He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication for intense feelings and relationship strain.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to choose which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made. Clients help set priorities and test practical steps that feel doable in everyday life.
Confirm session options before booking since formats are not listed in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people practice skills in real-life routines and bring concrete problems from daily life into session for immediate problem solving.
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 help with?
He works with adults around anxiety, stress, panic attacks, depression, addictions, anger, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and career concerns.
What is his general treatment style?
He uses direct, practical sessions that mix skills teaching with goal-focused conversations and simple exercises to practice between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 15 years of experience as a practicing therapist and a background in social work from Wayne State University.
What are his professional credentials and where is he located?
He holds an LMSW credential and is based in Michigan.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.