David Affolter

David Affolter helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, addictions, relationship strain, grief, and problems with self-esteem. He also supports those coping with life changes, career decisions, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. David’s manner is straightforward and steady, and he invites people to find practical steps forward together.

He served in the Air Force, then spent almost twenty years as a high school teacher and coach. Those years shaped how he listens and responds to people who feel stuck or unsure. After his children left for college he completed a graduate degree in Community Counseling at The University of Akron in 1994 and moved into clinical practice.

David holds the Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential and the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credential. He has worked in counseling for more than 27 years and says much of his work is about giving new information, new perspectives, and helping people decide where they want to go.

In sessions he focuses on understanding how life has caused wounds and on practical steps to heal. He uses approaches such as Trauma-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to match what each person needs.

People who choose him often look for a therapist who combines life experience with steady clinical practice. David frames therapy as a journey toward new ways of living, renewed purpose, and clearer direction, and he invites clients to take that journey alongside him.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

David uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to help people process and move through difficult experiences, focusing on how past events continue to affect daily life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that reflect their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest approaches to try. Decisions about methods are revisited as progress is made so the plan can be adjusted together.

The profile does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm available options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and make it easier to keep regular appointments. Online sessions can allow shorter check-ins when needed or full-length visits when more time is helpful, and the therapist will help figure out what scheduling style works best.