Donald Shawler
Experienced integrative counselor for adults
LCPC Illinois
- Experience
- 20 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Anger
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Donald
Donald Shawler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois who brings 20 years of clinical experience to his work with adults facing depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship strain, and other mental health concerns.
Background and approach
He integrates several evidence-informed methods to tailor care to each person, blending client-centered listening with practical cognitive techniques that help people identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. Shawler creates a collaborative, accepting space where clients can explore anger, self-esteem, coping with life changes, intimacy-related issues, and more.
He teaches concrete skills for anger management and supports people navigating complex areas such as substance concerns, bipolar mood management, caregiver stress, and communication problems. Additional areas of focus include aging and geriatric issues, body image, BDSM and kink-related topics, blended family challenges, HIV/AIDS, and forgiveness work.
Sessions draw on cognitive behavioral strategies alongside emotionally-focused and mindfulness-based practices when appropriate, allowing flexibility across concerns like trauma and compassion fatigue. His approach emphasizes practical tools and thoughtful reflection so clients can move toward clearer thinking, improved emotional regulation, and goals that matter to them.
Approaches and Online Therapy Options
Donald uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and impulsive behaviors; this approach focuses on practical strategies and skills for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning. He also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which centers on empathetic listening and collaboration so clients feel understood and can explore their values and goals at their own pace. Emotionally-Focused Therapy is incorporated when relational patterns and attachment issues are central, helping people track emotions and build more stable connections.
Choosing the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. Donald works with each person to clarify goals, consider what methods feel most relevant, and adjust the plan over time so therapy aligns with changing needs and preferences.
Online sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, busy workweeks, or when in-person meetings are impractical, while allowing therapists to apply CBT, client-centered techniques, and emotionally-focused interventions through remote formats.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English