- Guilt and shame
- Caregiver stress
- Evidence-based methods
About David
David Shellenbarger is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Michigan with 35 years of experience. He focuses on helping people manage depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. David also addresses caregiver stress, workplace strain, and problems linked to separation or divorce.
He draws on practical, evidence-based techniques to help people talk through tough feelings. Sessions emphasize clearer communication, reducing isolation, and building coping habits that can be used day to day. His work also pays attention to guilt and shame when those feelings get in the way of everyday life.
Much of his background comes from long experience in school settings, which shaped how he helps people sort social and communication problems. Over the years he has worked with adults facing life transitions, chronic stress, and trauma-related symptoms. He uses client-centered, reality, and rational-emotive approaches in treatment.
In sessions he focuses on what people can do next rather than only on the past. That includes practical skills for handling panic, improving self-talk, and managing workplace pressure. He helps people weigh options and practice new ways of responding.
People who choose him often want straightforward, experience-based support for recurring feelings and real-life pressures. To start, he asks about current struggles and goals, then suggests steps that fit the person’s daily routine.
How therapeutic methods are used in online sessions
David draws from evidence-based approaches that focus on clear thinking and practical change. Client-centered work centers conversations on the person's goals and what matters most to them, helping them choose topics and pace. Reality-oriented techniques focus on current problems and concrete steps someone can practice between sessions, useful for addressing workplace stress and daily routines. Rational-emotive methods examine unhelpful beliefs and teach people how to challenge negative self-talk, which can be helpful for guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.Finding the right approach is part of the work. David will discuss different options and decide together which methods match the client’s goals and preferences. That collaborative process makes it easier to try an approach for a few sessions and adjust if something else fits better.
The biography does not list which specific online formats are offered, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. For some people, video sessions let them use body language and visual cues, while phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth or being on camera is difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt tools and exercises so the work connects to everyday life without adding extra appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, and low self-esteem. Additional focuses include caregiver stress, workplace issues, and guilt and shame.
How does he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He uses practical, evidence-based methods to help people name and respond to those feelings. Sessions aim to change unhelpful self-talk and build coping strategies.
How much experience does he bring?
He has 35 years of experience working in counseling contexts, including long experience in school settings and with adults facing life transitions.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LPC, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in Michigan. His practice is based in Michigan.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the US work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and getting started handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.