- 20 years experience
- LCPC Illinois
- Men's wellbeing focus
About Donald
Donald Shawler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 20 years of clinical experience. He works with adults coping with depression, anxiety, anger, and related struggles. He often helps people who identify as LGBT and those facing issues like addiction, grief, or relationship strain.
Shawler uses a blend of methods to meet each person where they are. He centers the conversation on the person in front of him and creates a calm, accepting environment. He teaches practical skills to manage strong emotions and to reframe unhelpful thoughts.
Clients can expect clear, skill-based work alongside open listening. Cognitive strategies are used to identify and change thought patterns that affect mood and behavior. He also offers techniques for anger management and coping with life changes.
He brings a straightforward, collaborative style to therapy. Sessions focus on what the client wants to change and on small, doable steps toward those goals. Shawler’s background includes care for people dealing with trauma, addiction, intimacy issues, and career stress.
People looking for help with self-esteem, compassion fatigue, caregiving stress, or complex emotional concerns may find his approach useful. He practices in Illinois and accepts international clients, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How his approaches translate to online work
Donald uses Client-Centered Therapy to place the person's experience at the center of sessions, offering empathic listening and support while clients set the pace and topics. This approach helps people who need a steady, accepting space to talk through life stressors and identity or relationship concerns.He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to teach practical tools for changing thinking patterns. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, and habit changes because it focuses on specific thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will work with each person to try methods that match their goals and preferences, and adjust strategies over time if something isn’t working. Clients help set priorities and measure progress together with the therapist.
If you prefer online sessions, please confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find that the same therapeutic tools used in person transfer well to remote sessions when the therapist and client agree on how to use them.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this counselor address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, grief, intimacy issues, and many related concerns listed in his specialties.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He uses a person-centered style combined with cognitive techniques and mindfulness to help people reframe thoughts and learn coping skills.
How long has he been practicing?
He has twenty years of experience working with adults facing a wide range of mental health and life challenges.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and his practice is based in Illinois.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. meet with him?
He accepts international clients; confirm any regional licensing or scheduling questions before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.