Dave Sherwin
LPC, 15 years of experience
About me
Hello. My name is Dave Sherwin and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. Choosing a therapist is a significant step. Thank you for considering me. I believe everyone possesses unique strengths, and the power of therapy lies in empowering you to harness those strengths to overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. It often requires courage to look honestly at the ways we think and behave, but by taking this step, you can unlock your full potential and live a more fulfilling life. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you on this journey and help you define a new, more resilient kind of strength.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Taking the first step is often the hardest. Our initial session is designed for you to feel comfortable, ask questions, and determine if this is the right fit. We'll spend time discussing your current reasons for seeking therapy and exploring your background, but the main objective is to collaboratively define a clear path and specific goals for our work together. I believe in a true partnership where your insights and active participation are the essential ingredients for achieving sustainable, positive change.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
It is an honor and a privilege to be a therapist. My professional journey has given me a unique perspective: as a proud mid-life career changer, I spent 17 years as a business professional while raising a family before dedicating myself to this field. This background provides me with a deep, practical understanding of high-stakes environments, career stress, and the pressures of modern life. I hold two master's degrees—in Mental Health Counseling and Education—a unique blend of training that allows me to offer clients both deep clinical insight and practical learning strategies to accelerate their progress in therapy. For the past 15 years, I've brought this real-world perspective to my practice, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate major life challenges. I am committed to creating a confidential, judgment-free space where you can safely explore your concerns and receive objective, practical guidance. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that true strength is not the absence of pain or fear, but the courage to engage with our full human experience.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I'm deeply passionate about helping individuals move beyond feeling stuck and unlock their full potential through therapy. In our caring and collaborative environment, we'll stop focusing solely on your past and work together to identify the stressors and outdated coping mechanisms holding you back. My goal is to empower you not just to feel better, but to create lasting, concrete positive change in your daily life. If you're ready to engage with your full experience and take meaningful control of your life, I encourage you to reach out for an initial session.
Specialties
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
For over 14 years, I've been helping clients understand the core principle of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): the powerful interconnection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This model is particularly effective for clients who feel stuck in self-defeating patterns, such as trying to 'tough things out.' The work is a collaborative process of learning to identify those automatic thoughts—the internal blueprints we operate from—that may be holding you back. We will actively challenge their validity and replace them with more helpful, resilient ways of thinking. This journey of changing your thinking patterns is the key to unlocking the true strength to create profound and lasting changes in your life.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In our world of constant distractions, finding time for focused attention can feel like a luxury. Yet, research shows that cultivating mindfulness—even in short bursts—can significantly reduce anxiety and boost our sense of calm. As a certified practitioner and daily advocate, I've experienced this firsthand. I often guide clients in developing this essential skill, viewing focused attention as a necessary foundation for effective therapy. By building this inner calm, you gain the clarity needed to identify self-defeating thoughts, process difficult emotions, and make the courageous, deliberate choices that lead to profound change.
Existential
The quest for meaning is a universal human experience, filled with both exhilaration and uncertainty. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture, leading to a feeling of emptiness despite outward success. Using existential therapy, I help clients delve beneath surface-level problems to navigate these core questions of purpose and freedom. This deeper work often uncovers hidden aspirations and forgotten goals that, once recognized, can be integrated into your life. By combining this existential depth with the practical tools of CBT and the grounding of mindfulness, we ensure that your pursuit of meaning is not only profound but also anchored in actionable, positive change.
Motivational Interviewing
Change is rarely a straight line. It's common to feel ambivalent—to know you should change a behavior, but also feel strong reasons to stay the same. This is where Motivational Interviewing (MI) comes in. MI is a collaborative, evidence-based approach centered on your own strengths and values. Unlike simply telling someone what to do, MI helps you explore and resolve this ambivalence by gently surfacing your own compelling reasons for change. In our sessions, I act as a guide, helping you articulate the benefits of change and build genuine confidence and commitment to move forward. By aligning your actions with your deepest values, MI empowers you to shift from thinking "maybe I should" to creating a practical, actionable plan for "how I will." This is a powerful step in taking control and living the life you define.
Location
Offers in-person in 100 W Church St, Frederick, MD 21701, Second Floor, Suite 211VirtualLicensed in
Accepts
1 rating with written reviews
February 8, 2025
Such an amazing therapist.