- LPC Michigan
- 35 years experience
- Social anxiety focus
About David
David Shellenbarger is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan with 35 years of experience. He works with people who are coping with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, and self-esteem concerns. He also lists social anxiety and phobia among his focus areas.
Much of his background comes from work in school settings, where he spent decades supporting children of many ages. He has also helped adults manage workplace stress, caregiving strain, and the emotional sides of life transitions such as divorce and separation. He uses practical communication skills and coping strategies in sessions.
In conversation he helps people talk through isolation, guilt and shame, and questions about life purpose. He works with panic symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and the day-to-day effects of anxiety. Sessions focus on concrete steps people can try between meetings to notice change.
His stated approach draws on client-centered, reality-oriented, and rational-emotive methods. That means listening for what matters to the person, examining unhelpful thoughts, and practicing realistic behavior changes. He emphasizes evidence-based techniques rather than slogans.
People who meet him can expect straightforward discussion about problems and options. He aims to clarify what is getting in the way, teach communication and coping tools, and help people develop strategies to manage stress and social situations. Language used in sessions is English.
Evidence-based approaches and online sessions
David works from practical, evidence-based techniques that aim to change thinking and behavior. Client-centered methods focus on understanding the person’s priorities and concerns, which helps guide what to work on in sessions. Reality-oriented techniques emphasize realistic problem solving and clear behavioral steps to try between meetings.Rational-emotive ideas look at unhelpful thought patterns and teach ways to test and adjust those thoughts. That approach can be useful for anxiety, panic symptoms, and self-critical thinking linked to shame or low self-esteem. Together these approaches are used to build coping skills and improve communication in challenging situations.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to identify which methods match their goals and preferences, and will adjust the plan over time based on what helps most.
The biography does not specify which online session formats he offers, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Licensed professionals often use online sessions to help people practice skills in real-world settings and keep progress moving between in-person 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 help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, and self-esteem. Social anxiety and phobia are listed among his focus areas.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a direct, practical style that emphasizes communication skills and coping strategies. His approach includes client-centered, reality, and rational-emotive methods.
How much experience does he have?
He has practiced for 35 years, with many years working in school settings and additional work with adults facing life transitions and workplace stress.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.