- CBT strategies
- ACT and values work
- Attachment focus
About David
David Petersmark is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 22 years of practice. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship tensions, grief, depression, and life changes. Sessions are conducted in English and he accepts international clients.
He prefers direct, straightforward conversation. He listens to what feels most urgent and then helps set small, manageable goals. David adapts the pace and focus to the person in front of him rather than following a fixed script. He aims to make sessions practical and focused on clear next steps.
His approach draws on several evidence-informed methods, including cognitive behavioral strategies for changing unhelpful thoughts, acceptance and commitment ideas for clarifying values, and attachment-based thinking to understand relationship patterns. He also uses client-centered listening and skills from dialectical behavior therapy when emotional regulation is needed. These methods are chosen to match the problem at hand and the person’s preferences.
In early sessions David typically gathers a brief history and identifies the most pressing concerns. From there he works with the client to build tools they can use between meetings. That might include behavioral experiments, values-based actions, communication practice, or grounding and emotion-regulation exercises.
People who come to him often want practical ways to reduce anxiety, improve communication at work or home, process grief, or regain motivation. He asks straightforward questions and suggests concrete actions to try between sessions. To begin, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling step are used to set up the first meeting.
Approaches that guide online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when anxiety or difficult thoughts are present. It is useful for people who want clearer priorities and practical actions rather than only symptom relief.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers techniques to identify and test unhelpful thoughts and to build new behaviors that reduce anxiety and improve mood. It often includes short exercises to practice between sessions so progress is steady and measurable.
David treats finding the right approach as a collaborative process. He will discuss different methods with the client, try strategies, and adjust based on what helps most. The aim is to match techniques to the client’s goals, needs, and preferences rather than to stick to a single model.
The profile does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find remote sessions easier to fit into work or family schedules, to have shorter check-ins when needed, or to avoid travel time. Online work can make it simpler to practice exposure tasks, role-play social situations, or follow up quickly after a challenging event, depending on the agreed session style and tools used.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, depression, and coping with life changes, including social anxiety and phobia.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are direct and practical with an emphasis on clear goals and skills to try between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
He has 22 years of professional experience working with the concerns listed on his profile.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and practices with that credential.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.