About David
David Shellenbarger is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan with 35 years of experience. He focuses on helping people who face depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, and low self-esteem. David aims to create a calm, respectful space where clients can talk through hard feelings and set simple goals for change.
He draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques in straightforward ways. Sessions often include improving communication, reducing isolation, and building coping skills for stress and panic.
How David works
He also helps people sort through workplace strain, caregiver stress, and the emotional impact of divorce or separation. Many years in school settings shaped his practical style. That background gives him experience teaching skills to younger clients and explaining strategies clearly to adults.
He uses methods that focus on present problems and on changing thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of daily life. David values a non-judgmental, collaborative process. He encourages small, achievable steps so people can notice progress and regain a sense of control.
The goal is steady improvement in mood, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Clients can expect a therapist who listens, offers straightforward feedback, and helps translate ideas into real-world practices. He combines decades of experience with practical exercises to support long-term emotional recovery and growth.
What David works with
The areas below are the ones David selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Grief
Also listed
Training and background
| Register | LPC |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 35 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | Michigan |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
How practical therapy methods work online
David uses straightforward, evidence-based techniques that focus on the present and on changing how people think and act. One common approach emphasizes identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against reality to reduce distress and improve mood. This helps with anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. Another approach centers on building concrete coping skills and problem-solving steps for daily stressors like workplace strain, caregiving demands, or panic attacks. Clients learn specific exercises to use between sessions to manage symptoms.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video works well when visual cues help the conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or text messaging can suit quick check-ins, brief coping prompts, or clients who express themselves better in writing. These options offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.
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Common questions
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A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
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