Hi, I’m John C. Schlag, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and psychotherapist at Beyond the Reef Psychotherapy. I specialize in working with adults and families navigating life’s most challenging seasons, whether that means recovering from trauma, managing anxiety or depression, coping with grief, or working through relationship strain.
Before becoming a therapist, I served over 30 years in the U.S. Army and spent time as a high school special education teacher. These experiences taught me firsthand the power of resilience, connection, and purpose—and they continue to inform the way I show up for my clients today.
 

In our work together, I’ll meet you with honesty, warmth, and a deep respect for your story. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care to help you build insight, develop new coping tools, and create sustainable change. I also draw from mindfulness, narrative work, and solution-focused strategies, depending on what best fits your needs and goals.
I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University. Whether you’re looking to untangle past pain, stabilize in the present, or grow into the future, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.