- CBT techniques
- Client-centered care
- Anger management
About Donald
Donald Shawler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois with 20 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing depression, anxiety, and a variety of life stressors. He also addresses relationship and family concerns, including blended family issues and intimacy-related struggles.
Shawler uses an integrative, client-centered approach that begins by listening and identifying the most pressing problems. He combines that person-centered stance with cognitive strategies to challenge unhelpful thoughts. Those methods are used alongside practical skills such as anger management and coping techniques for stress and change.
Sessions focus on clear, workable steps rather than abstract theory. Clients may practice reframing thoughts, learning brief behavioral exercises, or trying grounded mindfulness techniques between meetings. Shawler tailors the balance of conversation and skills work to what each individual prefers and needs.
He also addresses substance use concerns, compulsive behavior patterns, and issues like shame, forgiveness, and caregiver stress. For people navigating blended households, he offers focused attention on communication problems, co-parenting tensions, and role conflicts that often come up when routines merge.
Donald draws on a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused methods, and mindfulness in straightforward ways. He aims to help people find clearer thinking and steadier reactions, and to build small, practical changes that fit daily life.
Approaches used in online sessions
Donald blends client-centered methods with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally-Focused ideas. Client-Centered Therapy means the therapist starts by listening and following what matters most to the client, helping them name problems and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and reframing unhelpful thoughts and on trying small behavior changes to affect mood and reactions. Emotionally-Focused elements help people recognize and work with strong emotional responses in relationships and close connections, which can be useful for communication and intimacy issues.Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods, and adjust the mix based on what the client finds useful. That collaboration helps tailor sessions to current needs rather than committing to a single method up front.
The original biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm the session options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions around work or caregiving tasks, allow brief check-ins when a full visit is not possible, and reduce travel time. Some formats use less bandwidth or do not require being on camera, which can help when a quieter or shorter check-in is needed. Licensed professionals can use these approaches to help people practice new ways of thinking and responding while keeping therapy compatible with everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with adults on depression, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, blended family issues, substance use, and stress-related problems.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses an integrative approach that emphasizes person-centered listening combined with cognitive and mindfulness techniques and practical skills work.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 20 years of experience working with adults on a range of mental health and life concerns.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is an LCPC and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment or cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.