- Depression and anxiety
- Workplace and caregiver stress
- Communication skills
About David
David Shellenbarger is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan with 35 years of experience. He has spent much of his career in school settings and also works with adults facing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self-esteem concerns.
He emphasizes clear communication and practical coping strategies. Sessions often focus on improving how people talk about needs, reducing isolation, and managing stress in daily life. Life purpose and meaning after major changes are also topics he helps people consider.
Shellenbarger brings experience supporting people dealing with workplace strain, caregiving stress, and transitions such as divorce or separation. He draws on approaches that aim to help people recognize unhelpful thoughts and build skills for calmer reactions.
With his background in schools, he also understands social and educational pressures on young people and has worked with school-aged children to teach coping and interpersonal skills. He frames therapy as a place to sort through difficult emotions and to practice new ways of relating and responding.
He uses client-centered, reality therapy, and rational-emotive methods as part of an evidence-based approach. In sessions he helps people test different ways of thinking and behaving, then adjusts those efforts based on what works. People who are trying to figure out what comes next often find that practical, step-by-step conversations help them move forward.
Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online
David Shellenbarger uses client-centered methods that focus on the persons experience and priorities. This approach emphasizes listening, clarifying what matters, and deciding on specific steps to try. It is useful for people who want practical problem solving and clearer communication.He also draws on reality therapy, which concentrates on current choices and behaviors. Reality therapy helps people identify small, testable changes in how they act and relate that can reduce conflict and isolation. Rational-emotive techniques look at unhelpful beliefs and challenge them with evidence and new ways of thinking. This can be helpful for anxiety, panic, and negative self-talk.
Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasnt worked before, then adapt methods over time. Clients and therapist review progress and shift strategy when needed.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. It can also help people keep therapy consistent during life changes while focusing on practical skills and problem solving.
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 issues, grief, and self-esteem. Additional focus areas include caregiver stress, workplace issues, and life purpose.
How does he approach feeling stuck or directionless?
He uses practical conversations to test thoughts and behaviors and then adjusts what a person is trying. The focus is on communication, coping skills, and small changes that can reduce stress.
How many years has he been practicing?
He has 35 years of experience, much of it in school settings and also working with adults on life transitions and emotional challenges.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Michigan and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin scheduling a session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.