Norman Shaffer, LCSW

Norman Shaffer is a Tennessee licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma, grief, and major life changes. He supports those dealing with stress, anger, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, career questions, and obsessive or compulsive behaviors. He also works with people coping with hoarding, sex addiction, and veteran and armed forces issues. Norman uses a straightforward, respectful approach and views each person as the expert on their own life.

He listens closely to understand what matters most to each client. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings. Norman uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to spot unhelpful thinking and replace it with clearer, calmer choices. He also draws on mindfulness to help with present-moment awareness and on motivational interviewing to support readiness for change.

Norman believes therapy is a collaborative effort. He aims to create a space where people can try things, notice what helps, and adjust plans as needed. His method balances problem-solving and exploring meaning so clients can find what fits their goals and values.

With nine years of professional experience, Norman brings steady support without telling people what to do. He encourages small steps and practical strategies that make life more manageable. He will work with each person to prioritize concerns and build realistic next steps.

People in Tennessee who want to start a change can expect clear conversation, practical exercises, and ongoing encouragement from Norman. He frames the work as a partnership focused on real-world progress and personal strengths.

How Norman uses therapy methods online

Norman works from a few clear approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and replaces them with practical, testable strategies for anxiety, depression, and obsessive behaviors. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention skills to reduce reactivity and improve focus in stressful moments. Motivational interviewing supports people who are unsure about change by helping them weigh their own reasons and build commitment.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Norman treats the choice of methods as a team decision based on a person's goals, current challenges, and preferences. He will try methods, check what helps, and shift direction when needed so the plan stays useful and realistic.

Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in during a work break or avoiding travel time to an office. It can also let people practice skills in real-life settings and bring what happens between sessions into the conversation. Talk with Norman about how to arrange sessions that match your schedule and needs.