- Depression and anxiety
- Family of origin
- Coaching and skills
About John
John Shovels is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with 15 years as a therapist. He works with adults on issues such as depression, anxiety, substance misuse, men’s concerns, and family of origin issues. He also offers leadership coaching and development alongside clinical work.
John focuses on helping people understand recurring patterns that trace back to earlier family experiences. He uses everyday language, metaphors, and sometimes a bit of humor to make difficult topics easier to talk about. Sessions aim to identify unhelpful habits, increase emotional awareness, and build more practical coping skills.
His work draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to spot thinking patterns that reinforce distress. He also uses elements of dialectical behavior methods for emotion regulation and motivational interviewing to strengthen readiness for change. Solution-focused techniques help set clear, achievable goals and small steps forward.
In sessions he prioritizes practical tools and clear explanations. People can expect straightforward conversation about what is happening now and how earlier family roles or expectations may still affect daily life. He balances short-term coaching goals with longer-term therapeutic work when needed.
John trained at Wayne State University and brings experience from clinical and coaching roles. He is a husband and father, and he sometimes references real-life examples to clarify points. To begin, readers are encouraged to follow the site's steps to match and schedule an initial appointment.
How his approaches translate to online work
John commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people spot and change unhelpful thought patterns that feed anxiety and depression. CBT sessions typically include practical exercises, simple homework, and clear steps to test new ways of thinking.He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. DBT elements teach concrete skills for handling strong feelings and improving communication under stress.
Choosing the right method is collaborative. He will talk with each person about goals and preferences, try approaches that fit current needs, and adjust over time. That means clients and therapist decide together which tools to use and when to shift focus.
Session format options are not listed in the biography, so confirm what types are available before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. Practical benefits include easier scheduling around work or family and the ability to continue work from different locations when appropriate.
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 issues does he work with related to family patterns?
He works with people who notice habits and roles from their family of origin affecting relationships, mood, and behavior. Common concerns include communication problems, codependency, and fatherhood issues.
What kind of therapeutic style does he use?
He uses straightforward conversation, metaphors, and practical exercises. The approach focuses on identifying patterns, teaching coping skills, and setting small goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 15 years of experience as a therapist and additional background in leadership coaching and development.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and he practices in Michigan.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are offered?
Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Please check the booking flow for the latest session types.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.