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David Shirly

David Shirly, LMHC

Therapist in Florida

Therapist focused on practical growth

Continue with David

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

LMHC

Languages

English

Based in

Florida

  • Evidence-based approaches
  • Work on intimacy issues
  • Ten years experience

About David

David Shirly is a licensed mental health counselor who offers straightforward, practical help for people feeling stuck or overwhelmed. He focuses on everyday problems like anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship concerns. David also addresses intimacy-related issues and challenges linked to addiction and trauma. He works in Florida and brings ten years of experience to each client encounter.

In sessions he emphasizes clear goals and simple skills. He helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck and practices new ways of responding. Conversations include ways to manage strong emotions, improve communication, and sleep better. He also talks through issues around body image, attachment, and alternative sexual cultures such as BDSM and kink when those topics come up.

David uses approaches that center the person in front of him while adding tools that get results. Therapy often blends talking with concrete exercises for coping, decision making, and behavior change. He supports people dealing with caregiver stress, codependency, and the fallout of divorce or separation.

Clients can expect a calm, focused process that aims for steady progress rather than quick fixes. Sessions explore what matters most, then map out practical steps to improve daily life. Over time the work targets stronger self-esteem, clearer boundaries, and better emotional balance.

People coming for help with ADHD, anger, or addictions will find attention to both immediate symptoms and the patterns behind them. David encourages collaboration so treatment matches each person’s needs and goals.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building a trusting, respectful relationship. It helps people feel heard and guides exploration of what matters most in their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills for changing unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to choose strategies that match their goals and preferences. That collaboration helps shape session focus, homework between sessions, and practical steps people can try in daily life.

The original biography does not specify which session formats are offered for remote work, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to meet during a work break or between errands. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT and client-centered techniques to these settings, using conversation and short exercises to build skills and track progress.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

License details

LMHC · Florida
MH18828
LMHC · New York
017927
NPI (National Provider Identifier)
1316539893

As listed on the therapist's professional profile. You can check these details with the relevant licensing board, professional body or registry.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, ADHD, anger, and self-esteem concerns.

How would you describe his therapy style?

He combines client-centered listening with goal-focused techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to create a practical, compassionate approach.

What is his background and experience?

He has ten years of clinical experience helping people manage mood, relationship, and behavioral challenges while developing everyday coping skills.

What are his credentials and location?

He is a licensed mental health counselor, LMHC, practicing in Florida with licensure noted as NY LMHC and FL LMHC.

Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

The therapist's biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How does cost work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Some intimacy concerns have a physical side. If you notice pain or other physical symptoms, please speak with a doctor as well. Therapy can sit alongside medical care, not replace it.

David ShirlyContinue with David