Norman Shaffer, LCSW

Norman Shaffer is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people dealing with addictions, stress, anxiety, depression, and related struggles. He works with people facing trauma, grief, anger, low self-esteem, career transitions, and bipolar challenges. He also supports those coping with obsessive behaviors, hoarding, and sex or substance-related addictions.

Norman approaches therapy as a partnership. He starts by listening to a person’s story and noticing the strengths they already have. He encourages practical steps people can try between sessions and checks in on what works and what needs to change.

He draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy to address difficult thoughts and patterns. He also uses mindfulness practices to help people notice and slow down intense feelings. Motivational interviewing appears in his work when people are weighing change or struggling to get started.

Across nine years of practice in Tennessee, Norman has supported a wide range of concerns related to mental health and addiction. He emphasizes small, achievable goals so progress feels tangible. Meetings are focused and direct, aimed at helping people gain tools they can use right away.

Someone who chooses Norman can expect straightforward conversation about steps forward. He values each person’s perspective and works to empower them to make changes that fit their life. The process begins with a short matching questionnaire and scheduling based on availability.

How CBT, mindfulness, and motivation fit into online work

Norman uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and acting. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and many stress-related problems because it focuses on practical steps and behavior changes.

He also integrates mindfulness techniques to help people notice their thoughts and bodily reactions without getting swept away. Mindfulness can make it easier to manage strong emotions and reduce reactivity in everyday situations.

Motivational interviewing appears when someone feels stuck about change. This approach helps people clarify what matters to them and build the motivation to try new behaviors, especially around addiction and habit change.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of therapy. The therapist works with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences. Sessions are a collaborative process where techniques are adjusted as progress is made.

Session formats are not listed here, so please confirm what options are currently offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when you only need brief guidance, and reduce travel time so therapy fits around work or family commitments.