John Shovels

John Shovels, LMSW, works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, and life transitions. He writes plainly and listens carefully, aiming to help people understand patterns and build practical coping skills. He balances direct conversation with a lighter touch when helpful, using metaphors and visuals to make ideas easier to grasp.

John brings 15 years of clinical practice experience and a background shaped by work in Michigan. He focuses on individualized care for people wanting clearer thinking, steadier moods, and stronger day-to-day habits. He also offers coaching around leadership and career development where that fits the person’s goals.

In sessions he uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to address thinking patterns and emotional regulation. He also draws on Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy to help people set realistic goals and stay motivated. Those approaches are used to help with things like anger, panic attacks, addictions, and problems with communication.

John pays attention to family of origin issues, fatherhood concerns, codependency, and the mix of problems that often occur together. He helps people who feel isolated, stuck in cycles of shame or guilt, or uncertain about life purpose to find clearer direction and practical steps forward.

He works in English and is based in Michigan. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

How his approaches translate to online care

John commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in session. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, panic, or low mood. DBT emphasizes skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for anger and relationship struggles.

He also draws on Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change and Solution-Focused Therapy to set short-term, achievable goals. Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process - the therapist will discuss options with the person and adapt methods to match their goals, needs, and preferences.

Practical benefits of online work include easier scheduling and the ability to fit sessions into a busy day. Confirm the available session formats when booking, as current options may vary. Online sessions can make it simpler to check in between appointments, focus on skill practice during a work break, or avoid travel time while still getting regular support.