At a glance
- Credentials
- LCPC
- License
- LCPC, Illinois / 180005917
- NPI
- 1336278191
- Experience
- 20 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Illinois
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
-
- Integrative approach
- Motivational interviewing
- 20 years experience
About Donald
Donald Shawler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 20 years of experience helping adults manage depression, anxiety, and related challenges. He takes an integrative, person-centered approach to therapy and focuses on practical steps people can use right away. Don aims to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about what matters to them and try new ways to feel better.
He blends client-centered techniques with cognitive strategies to help people notice and reframe unhelpful thoughts. Sessions often include learning simple anger management tools and coping skills for stress. Don also uses Motivational Interviewing to support change when people feel stuck or unsure about next steps.
His work covers a wide range of concerns, from relationship and intimacy-related issues to addiction, grief, and career stress. He also addresses topics such as codependency, caregiver strain, body image, and issues related to aging. The focus is on concrete changes clients can make between sessions to improve day-to-day life.
Don describes therapy as a collaborative process. He listens first, then helps set goals that fit each person’s situation. Progress is paced to match readiness and real-world demands rather than rushing toward labels or outcomes.
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients. Prospective clients are encouraged to confirm session formats and scheduling details before booking to ensure they fit personal needs.
-
How his approaches translate to online work
Donald uses Motivational Interviewing to help people move through ambivalence and find personal reasons to change, which can be useful for issues like addiction, procrastination, or making life shifts. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, validation, and supporting each person’s pace so clients set their own goals and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches concrete skills to spot and reframe unhelpful thoughts, which helps with anxiety, depression, and stress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. He works with clients to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as needs change. This is a collaborative effort where the client’s priorities guide the work.
The original biography does not specify which online or in-person formats are used, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, and allow conversations without travel time. It also makes it possible to keep continuity of care when circumstances change, while the therapist and client work together to find the schedule and session length that best support progress. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueAdditional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyExperience
20+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
-
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
He helps adults facing depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction, plus relationship and intimacy-related issues and grief. Additional areas include caregiver stress, body image, and aging-related concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a person-centered style that emphasizes listening and collaboration, combined with practical cognitive techniques and motivational interviewing to support change.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 20 years of experience working with adults on a wide range of mental health and life concerns.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, listed as IL LCPC, and practices from Illinois.
In which language can sessions be held and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How is payment handled and what does therapy cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
-
Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers