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NS Portrait of Norman Shaffer

Norman Shaffer

Experienced clinician for addictions and mood concerns

LCSW Tennessee

Experience
9 years in practice
Focus areas
Addictions, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Norman

About Norman

Norman Shaffer is a Tennessee-licensed social worker who focuses on helping people manage addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma, and related life challenges.

Background and approach

With nine years of clinical experience, he supports clients facing stress, grief, anger, self-esteem struggles, relationship difficulties, career transitions, and complicated coping patterns such as hoarding, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and sex or substance-related addictions. He approaches these concerns with practical strategies and an emphasis on clients' existing strengths.

Shaffer grounds his work in evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness practices, existential themes, and motivational interviewing to foster insight and behavioral change. He frames clients as experts in their own lives and collaborates to identify realistic goals and stepwise plans toward improved functioning.

His style balances practical skill-building with attention to meaning and values, aiming to empower clients to make sustained changes. Norman holds the LCSW credential (TN LCSW 7497) and offers sessions in English.

He welcomes people ready to take intentional steps toward a more fulfilling life and provides support tailored to each person's needs and pace.

How Norman Integrates Approaches in Online Therapy



Norman often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with practical strategies for managing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. CBT emphasizes concrete skills and experiments that can be practiced between sessions to build momentum for change. He also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy to help clients develop present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to stress and cravings, which can support emotional regulation and relapse prevention.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. The therapist works with each client to clarify goals, consider personal preferences, and try techniques that fit day-to-day life; adjustments are made over time so the plan aligns with what proves most helpful in practice.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, attend sessions from varied locations within Tennessee, and choose a format that supports steady progress toward goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Norman commonly address?
He works with addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, career concerns, and coping with life changes, plus focused concerns like hoarding, OCD patterns, and sex or substance-related addictions.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
The approach combines practical skill-building with reflective work; sessions use CBT techniques alongside mindfulness, existential exploration, and motivational interviewing to support change and clarify values.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has nine years of professional experience working with people seeking to cope more effectively with mental health concerns and addictions.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is licensed as an LCSW in Tennessee with license number TN LCSW 7497 and practices from that state.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
He is not accepting international clients at this time and provides services to clients within the stated practice region.
Which session formats are available for remote work?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

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

Licensed

Tennessee

Languages

English