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Norman Shaffer

Norman Shaffer

LCSW

Tennessee

Practical, strengths-focused help for change

Continue with Norman

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Tennessee / 7497
Experience
9 years
Languages
English
Location
Tennessee

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

    • Motivational Interviewing
    • CBT and mindfulness
    • Focus on addictions

    About Norman

    Norman Shaffer is a licensed clinical social worker in Tennessee who helps people navigate addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, grief, trauma, relationship strain, and life changes. He focuses on practical steps people can use to feel steadier and more in control. Norman emphasizes a respectful, strengths-based approach that centers the client's own goals and choices.

    With nine years of professional experience, he draws on several evidence-informed methods to guide conversations and plan changes. Sessions typically look like focused talk, checking what matters most to the client, and trying small experiments between meetings. He encourages people to notice what works and to adjust plans as they go.

    Norman uses motivational interviewing to support readiness for change and to strengthen personal motivation. He also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns. Mindfulness practices and existential perspective are available to help people find meaning and calm in difficult moments.

    He has worked with people facing drug and alcohol addiction, hoarding concerns, obsessive-compulsive patterns, sex addiction, veteran and armed forces issues, and anger problems. Norman aims to create a practical plan that fits each person's life and priorities.

    People who reach out can expect a collaborative tone, clear steps, and regular review of progress. He treats each person as the expert of their own story and supports steady movement toward their stated goals.

  2. How motivational and cognitive methods work online

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational approach that helps people find their own reasons to change. It focuses on listening, asking open questions, and guiding people to build motivation for steps they want to take. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify patterns of thinking that keep problems going and practices specific skills to test new responses and reactions. Both approaches can be used to address addictions, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

    Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. A therapist will discuss your goals and preferences and try methods that fit your needs. That collaborative process helps shape the plan and decide which techniques to emphasize over time.

    The original profile does not list session formats, so confirm the current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Online work can also let a person practice skills in real-life moments and then talk through what came up in the next session.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Addictions

    Also works with

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes

    Additional focus areas

    Drug and alcohol addictionHoardingVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCDSex addiction

    Therapeutic approaches

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational Interviewing

    Experience

    9+ years

    Listed in

    Tennessee

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does this therapist help with?

    He helps people with addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, stress, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, anger, self-esteem, career issues, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include drug and alcohol addiction, hoarding, veteran and armed forces issues, obsessive-compulsive concerns, and sex addiction.

    What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?

    Sessions emphasize collaboration and the client's goals. Conversations focus on practical steps, motivation, and small experiments to test new ways of coping.

    How much clinical experience does he have?

    He has nine years of professional experience working with mental health concerns and addictions.

    What credentials and region apply to this therapist?

    He holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in Tennessee.

    Which languages are supported and can international clients work together?

    Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

    What session formats are available?

    The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

    How are costs handled for sessions?

    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 this therapist?

    Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist 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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Norman Shaffer Continue with Norman