David Affolter, LMHC, LPCC

David Affolter brings decades of practical experience to his work as a counselor, combining military service, a long teaching career, and formal clinical training to support people through major life changes. After serving in the Air Force, he pursued a career in education and spent nearly twenty years as a high school teacher and coach, where he found deep satisfaction helping young people achieve goals they once thought unreachable. Those years fostered his ability to listen, guide, and encourage individuals who were struggling to find direction.

With encouragement from his wife and after his daughters left for college, he shifted into professional counseling, earning a graduate degree in Community Counseling from The University of Akron in 1994. He is licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - LPCC in Ohio and as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor - LMHC in Florida, credentials that reflect his formal training and clinical experience. Over more than two decades in practice he has helped many people address wounds from the past, overcome obstacles, and build new ways of living that align with their goals.

He approaches therapy as a collaborative process - offering new perspectives, practical tools, and steady support as clients decide where they want to go and how to get there. He has witnessed people transform their lives and often describes that work as humbling and inspiring. David invites individuals seeking change - whether in career, relationships, self-understanding, or coping with grief and trauma - to consider working with him as they move toward new destinations.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Flexible Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without being ruled by them while clarifying personal values and taking committed steps toward what matters. It is useful for stress, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens closely and helps the client explore their own goals. This approach is particularly helpful for improving self-esteem, processing grief, and strengthening emotional insight.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT identifies unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and offers practical techniques to change them. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, and coping with trauma-related reactions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. David will work with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adapts strategies over time as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can happen by video call or phone, and therapists can also communicate through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule care around work, family, or other commitments and to maintain continuity of support when life changes or travel arise.