- Practical coping skills
- Communication focus
- Workplace support
About David
David Shellenbarger is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Michigan with 35 years of experience. He focuses on practical help for depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, and self-esteem. He uses a calm, non-judgmental manner to help people talk through what feels most urgent in their lives.
He brings a background in school-based practice and many years supporting adults outside that setting. That experience shapes how he explains skills and routines so they are easy to use day to day. He helps people build coping tools for stress, panic, and workplace challenges.
Communication work is a clear part of his practice. He helps people improve how they talk about needs, set boundaries, and repair connection after conflict. He also supports those facing caregiving strain, isolation, and life changes such as divorce or separation.
Trauma and painful memories are addressed with care and gradual pacing. He helps clients process grief and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress while teaching strategies to manage panic attacks and social anxiety. The work tends to be collaborative and focused on small, practical steps.
His stated methods include client-centered, reality, and rational-emotive approaches. Those methods are used to help people find clearer thinking, stronger self-care, and more effective choices in relationships and at work. Sessions are offered in English and reflect his long experience in human service settings.
How therapeutic methods translate to online work
David uses client-centered and rational-emotive approaches in straightforward ways. Client-centered work focuses on listening and following the person's concerns so sessions reflect what matters most. Rational-emotive methods help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try new, more helpful ways of thinking and behaving.These approaches aim to produce practical changes like calmer responses to stress, clearer communication, and better coping with grief or panic. Finding the right approach is a joint process - he will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. Treatment plans are adjusted over time based on progress and what the person finds most useful.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking since specific formats were not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, shorten check-ins when needed, and reduce the time spent traveling to appointments. Therapists generally help clients pick a rhythm and format that match their schedule and day-to-day demands, which can be especially helpful for workplace stress and caregiving responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
35+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem concerns as well as workplace issues and relationship problems.
What is his style in therapy?
He uses a calm, non-judgmental, and practical style that focuses on building useful skills and clearer thinking.
How much experience does he have?
He has 35 years of experience, including many years working in school settings and with adults facing life transitions.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds the LPC credential and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.