David Shirly, LMHC

Compassionate therapy for change and resilience

Anxiety and stress support
Relationship and communication skills
Personal growth and purpose

About David Shirly

David Shirly, LMHC, is a licensed therapist in Florida who helps people make sense of difficult emotions and challenging life situations. With a focus on concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship stress, and personal growth, he supports clients who feel stuck in patterns that affect mood, connection, and day-to-day functioning. He frequently works with issues like social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, and communication struggles that can strain relationships and self-confidence.

His style is compassionate and individualized, shaped around each person’s lived experience rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. David aims to help clients strengthen self-worth, reduce feelings of isolation, and reconnect with a clearer sense of direction and purpose. Whether someone is navigating mood-related concerns, relationship difficulties, or pursuing meaningful personal change, he offers a steady space to explore what is happening and what may need to shift.

Grounded in evidence-based practices, David collaborates with clients to build practical, usable strategies for managing stress, improving resilience, and making positive changes over time. His work emphasizes deeper self-understanding, healthier coping skills, and steady progress toward a more fulfilling life.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression

Also Specializes In

Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteem ADHD

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 Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does David Shirly have?

David Shirly has 10 years of experience working with clients in therapy.

Is David Shirly a licensed therapist?

Yes. David Shirly is a licensed therapist and holds the LMHC credential (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). His license details are NY LMHC 017927 and FL LMHC MH18828.

In which languages does David Shirly provide therapy?

David Shirly provides therapy in English.

Where is David Shirly located?

David Shirly is located in Florida.

How can I work with David Shirly as my therapist?

You can work with David Shirly through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and what is available.

Does David Shirly work with international clients?

Yes. David Shirly works with international clients.

How much does therapy with David Shirly cost?

The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Sessions

David Shirly, LMHC, draws from evidence-based approaches that can be effective in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, then practicing more balanced alternatives - a practical fit for concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, and day-to-day coping. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication, which can be especially useful when feelings run intense or conflicts repeat in relationships. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating space for clients to explore personal challenges, life transitions, and growth at their own pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. David partners with clients to clarify what they want from therapy and what feels most helpful, then adjusts the pace and tools based on needs, goals, and preferences as therapy unfolds.

Online therapy also offers flexible ways to connect. Sessions can happen through video calls or phone, and support can continue through live chat or text-based messaging. This range of options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, keep momentum between sessions, and access support from home or while traveling.

Ready to start therapy with David Shirly?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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