John Dinauer

John Dinauer is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience. He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, and people coping with major life changes, and he lists life purpose among his focus areas.

He aims to help people who feel stuck after a change, are questioning what matters next, or are struggling with mood and substance concerns. He also supports individuals dealing with isolation, communication problems, and the specific pressures men may face. He includes LGBT clients and those facing issues related to aging, chronic illness, or HIV/AIDS.

In sessions he talks through practical ways to manage symptoms and to handle day-to-day pressures. He addresses process addictions and sex-related concerns directly, and he helps people set boundaries where relationship dynamics are causing strain. Conversations are straightforward and focused on what a person can do between appointments.

His background spans clinical work with addictions and long-term support for people in midlife transitions. Over three decades he has worked in settings that gave repeated exposure to chronic pain, health-related challenges, and alternative sexual cultures such as BDSM and kink.

People who choose him can expect focused work on coping skills, communication, and planning next steps. He notes that sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

Evidence-based techniques and online sessions

John's work draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that aim to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. One common approach focuses on building concrete coping skills and behavioral changes to manage anxiety and stress; this helps people handle difficult moments and increase predictability in daily life. Another approach concentrates on addiction-related patterns, helping a person identify triggers, develop alternative behaviors, and plan for relapse prevention when triggers arise.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to identify goals, try methods that fit their situation, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. That way the process is practical and responsive to changing needs.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm available session types before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier and reduce travel time, which helps fit sessions into a busy week. It can also allow shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed, or make video-free options possible when bandwidth is limited. Licensed professionals can adapt techniques used in person to remote sessions to keep focus on managing symptoms and planning next steps.