John DeCarlis , LISW, LSCSW

John DeCarlis is a licensed clinical social worker who brings a direct, approachable, and interactive style to therapeutic work. He combines a strengths-based perspective with acceptance and commitment methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, and solution-focused strategies to help clients build practical skills and meet real-world goals. He tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person, focusing on actions that increase meaning and quality of life rather than on stigmatizing labels.

John has specialized experience addressing depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, addictions, sleep difficulties, parenting and fatherhood issues, career and workplace challenges, and a range of intimacy-related and life transition concerns. As a retired Army officer who formerly worked with post-deployment military populations, he brings experience supporting veterans and first responders alongside work with civilians across the lifespan.

He holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and maintains professional credentials as an LISW and an LSCSW - both licenses indicating advanced training and authorization to provide clinical social work services. John emphasizes that meaningful change comes from the client’s strengths and from a collaborative partnership, and he engages clients with respect and practical skill development to help them move forward.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with John DeCarlis

John DeCarlis integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy alongside cognitive behavioral techniques to address a wide range of challenges. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites clients to notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being ruled by them and to commit to values-driven actions that build a richer life - it is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and motivation struggles. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relational patterns influence feelings of security and closeness, supporting work on relationship difficulties, intimacy issues, and patterns of trust.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and John works collaboratively with clients to identify what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts methods over time, combining skill-building and insight so that therapy remains practical and relevant to each person’s situation.

Online sessions make it easier to access care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options offer flexibility for scheduling, allow continuity of care across locations, and make it simpler to engage in consistent, goal-directed work from everyday settings with licensed professionals and therapists.