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JB Portrait of John Bates

John Bates

Supportive counselor blending CBT and narrative work

LPC South Carolina

Experience
4 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy
Languages
English

About John

John Bates is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who centers his practice on evidence-informed methods, with a particular emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He brings four years of clinical experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, and self-esteem challenges, and he supports clients navigating career-related concerns.

Background and approach

He approaches each person as the expert of their own life and looks for strengths to build on when addressing obstacles. Bates integrates narrative therapy techniques alongside CBT to help clients reframe personal stories and shift patterns that maintain distress.

His work also extends to related issues such as abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, communication and control difficulties, guilt and shame, isolation, life purpose, men’s concerns, panic attacks, social anxiety, and workplace problems.

He encourages those taking the first step toward therapy and aims to create a collaborative atmosphere where goals are clear and practical strategies are developed to move forward.

Practical approaches for online change



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting thoughts and behaviors that contribute to distress; it’s commonly used for anxiety, panic, stress, and low self-esteem by teaching skills and strategies to manage symptoms. Narrative Therapy works by examining the stories people tell about themselves and their lives, helping them separate from limiting narratives and create more empowering perspectives for issues like guilt, shame, relationship patterns, or a search for life purpose.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with each client to assess needs, preferences, and goals, then recommend a combination of methods that fit the situation. Over time, treatment plans can be adjusted so the work remains relevant and productive for what the client wants to achieve.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone appointments, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules or to connect from different locations. These formats support regular engagement and allow licensed professionals to use CBT and narrative techniques adaptively, emphasizing practical tools, reflective work, and accessible check-ins to sustain progress.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does John Bates commonly address?
He works with stress, various forms of anxiety, addictions, anger, and self-esteem struggles, and also focuses on career-related issues and workplace stress.
What therapeutic approaches are used in sessions?
Sessions draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to target unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and on Narrative Therapy to explore and reshape personal stories.
How much clinical experience does this therapist have?
John Bates has four years of professional experience providing counseling services.
What credentials and location should I know about?
He holds the LPC credential with license identifier SC LPC 8946 and practices from South Carolina.
Does he work with clients who live outside the United States?
International clients are accepted and sessions can be arranged across borders when scheduling permits.
Which session formats are available for therapy?
Appointments are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Narrative Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

South Carolina

Languages

English