(he/him)
John Swails is an ordained minister, a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified DBT Therapist, and Marine Corp Veteran, with military mental-health practice experience addressing traumatic stress, separation, family grief, and relationship issues, and civilian experience addressing physical and sexual abuse, single-mothers with dual diagnosed children, and group therapy for middle-school and teens to develop resiliency. As a therapist, John utilizes proven DBT, Strategic, CBT-Family, Solution-Focused, and other systemic techniques to address individual, couple, and family issues. As a minister John is sensitive to the beliefs of the client and is ready to explore spiritual solutions to any issue.
Although this may seem tedious and off-topic, the In-Takecis very valuable to the therapeutic process. Information is often referenced by the therapist later in the process and assists the therapist in getting a better idea of informing histories and practices. While valuable, however, this is not considered a "therapy session" since it focuses more on acquiring information than providing insight. The questions asked during the Intake are quite extensive and time does not allow for great detail and exploration of topics. Patients should expect to provide short, bullet points during the Intake, with an expectation for further elaboration in future therapy sessions. Mindfulness of this during In-take process is greatly appreciated and goes a long way towards more productive therapy and useful results.
John has a M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist / DBT Certified Psychotherapist. His strengths are with relationships and individuals struggling with communication and feeling heard. Over 95% of relationship-based issues come from poor communication skills, poor conflict resolution skills, and challenges accepting and validating the alternative perspectives from one's partner. This is with any relationship - intimate, family, work, friendship, business, it does not matter. Helping individuals and couples hone these skills are among John's specialties. In addition, John's military background has given him valuable experience and a unique perspective dealing with trauma. As a result, patients who have experienced traumas can expect to be validated by John with patience and understanding.
The individuals and couples that do best with my therapy approaches are committed to seeing changes and improvements with themselves and their relationship. They are looking for a safe space where they can express themselves without judgment. They are willing to be transparent in order to get this done, and they are expecting and looking forward to the positive results received from doing the work and going through the process.
Couples Counseling
The counseling methods used in my therapy include Solution Focused, MRI (Strategic), and DBT (Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. These 3 methods are integrated as needed to address six major areas that tend to interfere with personality development and relationship growth: • Unhealthy Boundaries • Poor Conflict-Resolution skills • Poor Communication Skills • Poor Self-Validation Skills • Challenges Accepting Alternative Perspectives It has been my experience that and Integrated Approach expedites the healing process in these areas which in turn, addresses maladaptive and destructive habits in personal and relationship development and maintenance.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Helps client's establish healthy and more productive mindsets, and goal oriented thinking.
Gottman method
Gottman is a useful method to assist couples in recognizing core-value systems within themselves, which can then be used to compare to their partner, recognize and validate each other's needs, and develop productive bridges within their differences.
Narrative
Assists client in re-writing "his story" (the way he sees him/herself and situation) to a more hopeful and productive one. This improves focus which in turn improves attitude and outcomes.
21 ratings with written reviews
March 6, 2026
Mr. John is doing the work that God had ordained for him to do. His sessions are exactly what you need to become the person you want to become.
March 5, 2026
John's detailed approach to couples counseling helps see things from a perspective that creates thought and opening us both up to seeing ourselves differently- thus creating change.
February 3, 2026
Seems very passionate about helping me gain power over my life back!