David Shellenbarger

David Shellenbarger is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Michigan with 35 years of experience. He centers his work on helping people facing depression, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and low self-esteem. His approach is warm and nonjudgmental, aimed at making conversations feel straightforward and useful from the first visit.

He draws on practical, evidence-based techniques to help people build better communication and stronger coping skills. Sessions often focus on reducing stress, managing panic, and improving everyday functioning at work and home. He also helps people who are dealing with isolation, guilt, and questions of life purpose.

Clients who are navigating divorce and separation may find focus on clear decision-making, emotional processing, and rebuilding routines. He also supports people coping with caregiver strain and workplace pressures. The emphasis is on small, manageable steps that lead to steadier emotion and clearer thinking.

His background includes many years working in school settings alongside experience helping adults through major life transitions. That mix informs a straightforward style that balances practical skills with listening. People can expect help developing strategies they can use between sessions.

Sessions are conducted in English and reflect a client-centered stance that uses reality-based and rational-emotive ideas where they fit. To begin, visitors complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online therapy

Many of the methods used in practice are straightforward and action-focused. Client-centered work means the therapist listens first and tailors the plan to what matters most to the person, helping set clear, practical goals. Reality therapy emphasizes making realistic choices and building routines to improve day-to-day functioning, which helps with issues like workplace stress and caregiver strain.

Rational-emotive ideas focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts that fuel anxiety, depression, or relationship tension. These techniques teach simple exercises people can practice between sessions to reduce panic and improve emotional control. Together these approaches provide tools rather than labels and aim to produce useful changes in daily life.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That planning can change over time as issues shift or progress is made.

Session formats are not detailed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around work, caregiving, or school obligations. It also allows shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed, and offers flexibility if travel or scheduling is a challenge.