Norman Shaffer, LCSW

Norman Shaffer is a Tennessee-based licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. He brings nine years of professional experience and a straightforward, supportive style. Norman emphasizes practical steps and the client’s own strengths in sessions.

He listens first to understand each person’s story and priorities. From there he uses goal-focused methods to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Sessions are collaborative and grounded in clear, manageable tasks rather than vague theory.

Norman often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. He also uses mindfulness tools to build calm and Existential ideas to help people find meaning during difficult transitions. Motivational interviewing supports those working through substance use or ambivalence about change.

Typical concerns include drug and alcohol addiction, hoarding, obsessive-compulsive problems, sex addiction, and issues related to military service. He also helps with relationship strain, grief, anger, bipolar mood challenges, self-esteem, career stress, and coping with life changes.

In sessions Norman aims to create a clear plan with practical homework and check-ins. He encourages small steps that fit into busy lives. The approach is steady, direct, and intended to produce real, usable skills.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Norman commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. CBT is practical and problem-focused, so it often includes small experiments and homework to test new ways of coping.

He also draws on mindfulness therapy to build moment-to-moment awareness and reduce reactivity. Mindfulness techniques can help with anxiety, cravings, and strong emotions by teaching simple attention and breathing practices.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Norman will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then try methods that fit those needs. Treatment is collaborative and may combine approaches as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and nonverbal feedback, while phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, short updates, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, family, or other routines.