Sheet 1
- Person centered
- Solution focused
- Master's degree
About John
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan with 10 years of clinical experience and a background helping people for more than 30 years, John Berst focuses on stress, anxiety, relationships, family concerns, grief, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. He earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 2010 and maintains ongoing training to keep his practice current. John works directly with the person who sits in front of him, starting from their strengths and story.
John’s main approach is person-centered. He listens first to understand what a client needs, then builds a plan around those needs. He combines that with practical, solution-focused work so sessions aim for concrete steps that fit everyday life. Conversations are framed around what actually works for the client rather than theoretical models.
Sessions typically involve talking through recent problems, identifying small changes, and practicing skills between meetings. John emphasizes real-world strategies for coping with stress, improving sleep and eating patterns, managing anger, and navigating relationship or parenting challenges. He also supports people processing grief, trauma, or identity-related concerns.
He uses his decades of experience to adapt to each person’s story. That means adjusting pace, emphasis, and techniques as progress unfolds. The emphasis is on practical progress while respecting each person’s background and pace.
To begin, John asks people to share their story so he can suggest approaches that fit. He encourages straightforward conversation about goals and barriers at the first meeting and plans sessions that reflect what the client finds most useful.
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Therapeutic approaches and how they work in remote sessions
John emphasizes person-centered work, which starts by listening to the client’s story and priorities. This approach helps identify what matters most to the person and shapes the goals and pace of therapy.He also uses solution-focused techniques that narrow attention to practical steps and small changes. These methods are useful for managing stress, anxiety, sleep and eating habits, and everyday relationship or parenting problems because they aim for clear, doable actions between sessions.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. He will discuss different methods with the client, try options, and adjust based on what helps most. The therapist and client decide together which techniques to keep using as progress becomes clear.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also suit people who prefer not to be on camera or who need a session that fits a lunch break or other daily routine.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Sheet 4
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, grief, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy problems, eating and sleeping issues, parenting, anger, self-esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.
What therapy style does he use?
He primarily uses a person-centered approach combined with practical, solution-focused work. Sessions start by understanding the person's story and then focus on steps that will make a difference.
How much experience does he have?
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of formal clinical experience and more than 30 years of experience helping people in various roles.
What are his credentials and location?
He holds the LPC credential and completed a master’s degree at Western Michigan University in 2010. He practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.