David Affolter, LMHC, LPCC

David Affolter helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship or family struggles. He also works with concerns like grief, parenting strain, career shifts, ADHD, anger, intimacy issues, and questions about life purpose or midlife change. David brings a calm, steady presence to conversations and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

He spent many years as a high school teacher and coach before becoming a counselor. That background shaped his straightforward style and his patience with people learning new ways of coping. He completed a graduate degree in Community Counseling at The University of Akron in 1994 and holds LMHC and LPCC credentials. Those initials stand for Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

In sessions he listens first, then offers tools and different perspectives to try. He uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, client-centered listening, and elements from dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing. The goal is to find concrete changes that fit each person’s life.

David describes counseling as a journey where small shifts add up over time. He draws on nearly three decades of clinical experience and earlier years teaching young people. That mix gives him experience with practical problem solving and long-term personal growth.

People who choose him can expect direct conversation, clear options, and steps they can practice between sessions. He aims to help people build new ways of living that feel attainable and meaningful.

Approaches and online options for practical change

David uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors; this approach is useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood issues. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their thoughts and values, then take action toward a meaningful life even when uncomfortable feelings remain. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and empathy so people feel heard while they consider change and set goals.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before, then suggest strategies to try together. Adjustments are made as needed so the work fits the person’s life and priorities.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video calls let people work face to face from wherever they are. Phone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited or a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging support short check-ins, homework help, or flexibility when a full session can’t be scheduled. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.