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John Ward

John Ward

LCSW

Connecticut

Motivation-focused, strengths-based counselor

Continue with John

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Connecticut / 6597
Experience
30 years
Languages
English
Location
Connecticut

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

    • Addiction and recovery
    • Anxiety and mood
    • Practical coping skills

    About John

    John Ward is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with three decades of experience in counseling and addiction work. He practices in Connecticut and focuses on helping people sort through addiction, anxiety, depression, anger, and life transitions. He offers direct, practical support aimed at building on each person’s existing strengths.

    He uses Motivational Interviewing alongside other approaches to help people find the reasons and energy to change. He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and cognitive-behavioral tools to help manage difficult thoughts and emotions. Sessions emphasize clear steps and workable strategies rather than jargon.

    John’s background includes both state government roles and private practice over 30 years. That experience informs his work with people facing trauma, grief, relationship strain, and challenges related to parenting and fatherhood. He brings a straightforward style and steady guidance to sessions.

    In the room he focuses on listening, practical feedback, and building on strengths clients already have. He helps people set realistic goals and try small experiments between sessions. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.

    People who want concrete tools for coping, better communication, or help with substance use often find his mix of motivation-focused conversation and behavioral techniques useful. He works in English and offers care to people based in Connecticut.

  2. How these approaches translate to online work

    Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find their own reasons to change. It uses guided conversation to increase willingness and confidence to take next steps, which can help with addiction, ambivalence about treatment, or making life changes.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with difficult life events.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and managing stress.

    Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to see what fits a person’s goals and preferences. Early sessions typically focus on understanding immediate concerns and trying an approach for a few weeks to check fit.

    Confirm the current online session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so people can use therapy around work or caregiving. Licensed professionals can adapt Motivational Interviewing, ACT, and CBT to remote sessions while focusing on practical tasks and homework that fit everyday life.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    AddictionsAnger management

    Also works with

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

    Additional focus areas

    Communication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameMen's issuesSocial anxiety and phobia

    Therapeutic approaches

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    30+ years

    Listed in

    Connecticut

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does John commonly help with?

    He works with a wide range of issues including addictions, anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, relationship and parenting concerns, and work-related stress or burnout.

    What is his general approach in sessions?

    He uses a strengths-focused, interactive approach that gives practical feedback and steps people can try between sessions.

    How much clinical experience does he have?

    He brings 30 years of combined experience in social work and addictions counseling across state government roles and private practice.

    What credentials and location are listed?

    He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and practices in Connecticut.

    Which languages are supported and can he work with international clients?

    Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients at this time.

    What session formats are offered?

    Please confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography.

    How are fees and billing handled?

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

    How do I begin if I want to work together?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule 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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