PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

JE Portrait of John Engebretson
Online therapist

John Engebretson

Supportive counselor for practical change

Credentials
LPC, LCPC
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
Ohio, Colorado, Montana
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About John

John Engebretson is a licensed counselor who uses practical, conversational approaches to help people handle life’s pressures. He draws on 20 years of counseling experience and focuses on clear problem-solving rather than labels. John aims to make sessions straightforward and respectful so people can talk through what matters most to them.

He works from a client-centered stance, so conversations are guided by the person in front of him. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful patterns and find small changes that make daily life easier.

Background and approach

Motivational interviewing is part of his toolkit for people working through change-related goals. His work has covered stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, grief, sleep problems, parenting concerns, relationship and family issues, and coping with major life changes. Additional areas he has addressed include aging and geriatric issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, caregiver stress, and intellectual disability.

He has also supported people with impulse-control and co-morbid conditions. John holds LPC and LCPC credentials and practices from Colorado. His style is warm and interactive, focusing on respect and sensitivity while avoiding stigmatizing language.

He creates treatment conversations tailored to each person’s needs and priorities. When someone is ready to begin, he helps map a practical plan and encourages steady steps. People who want straightforward, experience-based support for everyday problems and transitions will find a direct, compassionate approach in his work.

Approach and online delivery that fits daily life

John combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral techniques to help people make practical changes. Client-centered therapy means conversations follow the client’s priorities and pace, helping them feel heard while deciding what to address. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches concrete steps to shift them.

He also uses motivational interviewing when someone needs help finding the drive to change. That method focuses on drawing out a person’s own reasons and strengths rather than pushing advice, which can be useful for addiction, impulse-control concerns, or big life decisions. Together these approaches give both supportive listening and action-focused tools.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. John will collaborate with each person to choose approaches that match their goals, preferences, and the issues they bring. The plan can be adjusted as progress is made to keep the work practical and relevant.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to keep appointments around work, caregiving, or travel and let people use the style of communication that works best for them.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Existential Therapy

Takes the larger questions seriously: meaning, choice, mortality, responsibility. Suited to periods when the difficulty is less a symptom than a sense that something has to change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems can John help with?
He addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, grief, sleep issues, parenting concerns, relationship and family problems, bipolar challenges, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapy style like?
John uses a warm, interactive approach that centers on the client. He focuses on practical conversations and tailors methods to each person's needs.
How much experience does he have?
He has 20 years of counseling experience working in community-based settings across multiple states.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds LPC and LCPC credentials and practices from Colorado. Licence details include CO LPC 0004641 and MT LCPC BBH-LCPC-LIC-1108.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
Yes, he accepts international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
He conducts therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexible options.
How are costs handled and how do I begin?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to John

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point