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John Shovels

John Shovels

LMSW

Michigan

Practical, goal-focused therapy for adults

Continue with John

At a glance

Credentials
LMSW
License
LMSW, Michigan / 6801067333
Experience
15 years
Languages
English
Location
Michigan

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational interviewing
    • Practical goal setting
    • Direct supportive style

    About John

    John Shovels, LMSW, works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, substance concerns, depression, and questions about men's issues and life direction. He writes in plain terms and makes space for honest conversation. He aims to help people understand patterns, get stronger, and make practical changes that fit their lives.

    He has 15 years as a practicing therapist and completed professional training at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. His approach mixes Motivational Interviewing with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy when useful. He also uses solution-focused ideas to help clients set and reach small, realistic goals.

    Sessions focus on what matters to each person. He listens for underlying patterns, uses metaphors and simple imagery to explain ideas, and brings a bit of humor when it helps. That makes difficult topics easier to talk about and keeps work practical instead of theoretical.

    John also offers leadership coaching and development alongside clinical work. He helps people translate insights into action steps for work and home life. He supports work on communication, boundaries, coping with life changes, and rebuilding confidence.

    He is based in Michigan and conducts therapy in English. To begin, people use the site's Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.

  2. How these approaches shape online care

    John commonly draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people find what matters most and build internal motivation for change. That approach uses open questions and reflective listening to clarify goals and reduce resistance.

    He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when emotional regulation and distress tolerance need practical tools. These methods aim to teach concrete strategies you can use between sessions to handle symptoms and daily stresses.

    Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and practical needs, then adjust techniques as progress is made. That partnership helps match methods to what actually works for the individual.

    Session format options are not listed in the biography, so confirm current session choices before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit work into a busy week, shorten commutes, or use a quick check-in during a break. It can also allow you to practice new skills in everyday settings and bring real situations to the conversation for immediate problem solving.

  4. 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

    Listed in

    Michigan

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does he commonly help with?

    He helps people work through stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, career questions, bipolar and mood concerns, and coping with major life changes.

    What is his general therapy style?

    He favors a practical, collaborative style that mixes motivational methods with cognitive and behavioral techniques and solution-focused steps to set small achievable goals.

    How much clinical experience does he have?

    He has 15 years of experience as a practicing therapist and earlier professional training at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

    What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

    He is listed as an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and his practice is based in Michigan.

    Which languages are supported for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Does he accept international clients?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How does payment and cost work?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin therapy with him?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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