About David
David Shirly is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Florida who focuses on practical, person-centered care. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction concerns, and relationship or intimacy issues. He also supports men’s wellbeing and those dealing with sleep problems, parenting strain, self-esteem challenges, and attention difficulties.
He frames sessions around the client's needs and goals. Conversations are straightforward and aimed at making daily life easier. He works on skills for emotional regulation, communication, and decision making rather than long theoretical talks.
David uses a mix of approaches that include client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior skills, and emotional work. He blends these methods to address both immediate symptoms and the patterns that keep problems returning. Mindfulness practices are introduced when they fit a person's style and goals.
Over a decade of work in counseling settings has given him experience with trauma, substance use issues, and attachment problems. He also addresses specific concerns such as abandonment, codependency, dissociation, and relationship commitment struggles.
Sessions are meant to feel collaborative. David aims to help people understand themselves better, build practical coping tools, and make sustainable changes. Prospective clients are encouraged to consider how therapy could fit into their daily routines before booking.
To begin, David asks about what matters most to the client and what they hope to change. From there he and the client set clear steps and check progress regularly.
Approaches that translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on attentive listening and meeting each person where they are. Online sessions using this approach center on what the client wants to focus on and let the therapist follow the client's lead to build understanding and trust.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors influence mood. In remote sessions this often means identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, setting small practical experiments, and tracking changes between meetings to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches clear skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. When used online it can include practicing emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication techniques that clients can apply in daily life.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will ask about goals, daily routines, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they choose or blend methods that fit the person's needs and preferences rather than relying on a single model.
Session formats are not specified in the profile, so confirm available options before booking. Many people find remote sessions help fit therapy into work and family schedules, make follow-up easier, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online work can support steady progress through regular meetings, homework between sessions, and skill practice framed for everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Florida, New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does David commonly address?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, sleep problems, parenting strain, self-esteem issues, and ADHD.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is collaborative and straightforward, combining client-centered listening with practical skills for coping and communication.
What kind of experience does he bring?
He has 10 years of experience working in counseling settings with a range of concerns including trauma, substance use, and attachment issues.
What credentials and region are listed for this clinician?
He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with licensure in New York and Florida and practices out of Florida.
In which languages can sessions be conducted?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to start working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.