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DS Portrait of David Shirly

David Shirly

Calm, practical, evidence-informed care

LMHC Florida

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About David

David Shirly is a licensed mental health counselor who emphasizes practical, evidence-informed approaches to help people manage emotional and life challenges.

Background and approach

He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered care to create treatment plans that address symptoms like anxiety, depression, anger, and addictive behaviors while also attending to relationship and intimacy concerns. With a decade of clinical experience, David works with issues that range from trauma and abuse to sleep disruption, parenting stress, and attention-related difficulties.

He also focuses on nuanced interpersonal patterns such as attachment and abandonment concerns, communication problems, codependency, and alternate-sex-culture topics like BDSM and kink, tailoring interventions to the individual’s circumstances. David’s style blends skill-building and emotional exploration: he helps clients develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and rebuild connection while honoring each person’s unique goals.

Licensed as an LMHC in Florida, he brings practical tools alongside empathic support to help clients move toward meaningful change.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care



David frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. He also applies Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the client’s perspective guides the work and emotional growth is prioritized. When emotional regulation and interpersonal patterns are central concerns, elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy are used to teach skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. David works with each person to explore goals, preferences, and the problem areas that matter most, and then tailors methods to fit those priorities rather than imposing a single model.

Online sessions make it easier to maintain continuity of care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options offer flexibility for scheduling, support between live appointments, and access from different locations, which can help clients stay engaged with therapy while balancing work, family, and other commitments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist frequently address?
David works with a range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, depression, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleep problems, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and ADHD.
Which therapeutic approaches are used in sessions?
He draws from client-centered methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to adapt to each client’s needs.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
David brings 10 years of experience working with people on mood, relationship, and behavior-related issues.
What are the therapist’s credentials and where is he licensed?
He is an LMHC licensed in New York and Florida with license numbers NY LMHC 017927 and FL LMHC MH18828, and he practices from Florida.
Are sessions available in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English, and he also accepts international clients for remote work.
In what formats are sessions offered?
David offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexible ways to engage in therapy.
What does therapy cost and how are sessions billed?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist’s availability.

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

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Florida, New York

Languages

English