Nervous System First · Parts Work Made Simple

Calm Your Nervous System.
Soften Shame.
Create New Perspectives.

I'm John — a therapist who helps anxious overthinkers, people in recovery, and shame-driven achievers build a calmer inner world, one realistic step at a time.

Trauma-informed IFS therapy that respects your nervous system

Clear explanations, no clinical jargon — just real talk

Practical tiny steps you can actually follow

Licensed in NJ, PA, NH & ME · No pressure, no commitment

John Pelikan, LCSW, LCADC - Therapist

We Might Be a Good Fit If...

If you're feeling anxious, ashamed, behind in life, or stuck in old patterns — you're in the right place.

You're Tired of Quick-Fix Advice

Surface-level tips don't work when your nervous system is running the show. You want real understanding, not another checklist.

You Want to Understand Your Inner World

You're curious about the different "parts" of you — the inner critic, the people-pleaser, the perfectionist — and how they got there.

You're Ready for Shame-Sensitive Healing

You don't need to perform or pretend here. All parts of you are welcome — even the ones you've been hiding.

You Want Real, Practical Steps

Small, doable changes that fit your actual life and nervous system — not fight against it.

You Feel Stuck in Old Patterns

The same thoughts, behaviors, and relationship dynamics keep showing up — and you're ready to understand why.

You Want Grounded Support

Support that fits your real life — not an ideal version of you. A therapist who's human, not a textbook.

My Approach to Therapy

Real change without overwhelm. Nervous system first, parts work made simple.

Nervous System First

Calm first, clarity second. We start with regulation — helping your nervous system feel safe before diving into deeper work.

Parts Work for Real People

Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), we explore the different parts of you — the critic, the protector, the wounded one — with compassion.

Shame-Sensitive Healing

You don't need to perform or pretend. We work at a pace that feels safe, not rushed. No bad parts, just parts trying to help.

Real-Life Recovery

As someone in long-term recovery myself, I understand the journey. You can rebuild from anywhere — and I'll meet you where you are.

Practical Tiny Steps

Micro-habits and small changes that actually stick. We're not trying to fix everything at once — just build momentum that lasts.

Human, Real-Talk Tone

No clinical jargon or silent staring. I'll explain what's happening in plain English and work collaboratively with you.

Therapist working with client
About John

All Parts of You Are Welcome Here

Hi, I'm John. If you're anxious, overwhelmed, hard on yourself, or feeling stuck in old patterns you can't seem to shake, you're not alone — and you're not "too much."

I'm an IFS-trained therapist who blends nervous system education, parts work, and practical habit support with CBT, mindfulness-based strategies, and attachment-focused work.

My style is casual, honest, and human. I don't sit back silently and stare at you. I respect that it takes time to feel safe with a therapist, and I see our relationship as the foundation of the work.

I've lived with my own anxiety, depression, and emotional pain, and I'm in long-term recovery from addiction and homelessness. Those experiences shaped how I see this work: your symptoms aren't just problems to get rid of — they're signals from parts of you that have been trying to cope and survive.

Credentials & Licenses

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC)
  • IFS-Trained Therapist (Internal Family Systems)
  • Licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire & Maine
Read My Full Story

What You Might Expect

Realistic outcomes from someone who gets it. Here's what we can work toward together.

Feel Calmer

Regulate your nervous system and find moments of peace

Understand Your Inner World

Get curious about your parts without judgment

Stop Harsh Self-Talk

Soften the inner critic and practice self-compassion

Break Emotional Loops

Interrupt old patterns and create new responses

Improve Communication

Show up more authentically in relationships

Build Steady Routines

Create micro-habits for self-care that actually stick

Heal Shame

Work through shame with a therapist who gets it

Make Decisions with Clarity

Trust yourself and move forward with confidence

Ready to Take the First Step?

Start with a free 15-minute consultation. It's a chance to share what you're going through, ask questions, and see if this feels like a good fit — no pressure, no commitment.