David Shirly, LMHC

David Shirly is a licensed mental health counselor with ten years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, and addiction. He uses a straightforward, compassionate style to address depression, relationship strain, and problems with sleep or self-esteem. Sessions focus on what matters now and on practical steps forward.

He leans on client-centered work to make sure each person feels heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy inform concrete tools for mood, anger, and impulsive behaviors. Mindfulness and Emotionally-Focused ideas are used to strengthen awareness and improve emotional connection.

David often helps people who are dealing with trauma, attachment wounds, or codependency. He also supports those facing substance and alcohol difficulties and people struggling with intimacy, body image, or sexual identity questions related to kink and alternative sex culture. His approach breaks larger problems into manageable goals and small, achievable changes.

Sessions emphasize practical skill-building such as coping plans, communication practice, and emotion regulation techniques. He works collaboratively to track progress and adjust strategies when needed. The tone in sessions is direct but warm, aiming to reduce shame and increase personal agency.

David provides services from Florida and communicates in English. He accepts international clients as well. Before booking, prospective clients are encouraged to confirm current session options and scheduling details.

How David’s approaches work in online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person's experience and adapting sessions to their needs. It emphasizes listening, reflection, and supporting people to find their own answers, which can help with relationship strain and self-esteem issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It offers practical exercises and homework to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful behavior patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal effectiveness for people who struggle with intense emotions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to identify goals and then tests approaches that fit those goals and preferences. Adjustments are made over time so care matches progress and changing needs.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, or making scheduling across time zones simpler for international clients. Licensed professionals can guide how to use these sessions to practice skills and follow up between meetings.