Hello! I’m David Affolter,
I have been helping people most of my adult life. It just seems that has been a major motivation for me. After college and service in the Air Force, I really was confronted with the reality that I needed to choose a direction in life. I made a decision that it had to be something that would bring me lasting satisfaction. I would feel good about myself. I became a high school teacher and coach, and I loved doing that for almost twenty years. I experienced the joy of seeing young people do things they thought they couldn’t ever do. In my teaching, I always seemed to be drawn to the students who seemed like they were struggling to find their way. Students came to me for someone to listen to them and help them find their way. I have the joy today of keeping in touch via social media, and I watching as they grow their own families and follow their own path.
After those teaching years and my own daughters moved on to college and adult life, I felt the urge to keep helping people, but I felt moved to go into counseling. With the support of my wife, I completed a graduate/professional degree in Community Counseling at The University of Akron in 1994 and became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. It really was a smooth transition, and I have learned that a significant part of counseling is giving people new information and perspectives and helping them decide where they want to go and how to get there. I have continued now for over twenty years in helping people deal with a variety of problems in their lives, and the large majority are able to feel good about themselves and able to move in the direction they choose. I have learned how life has wounded people and how to help them heal from those wounds. I have seen people who thought their lives were over but have learned in therapy how to build new ways of being and living that lead them to new destinations—destinations that many never thought they would arrive at in the beginning. I know when I reflect on my own journey over the past fifty years or so, I am amazed at the variety of things life has brought my way, and the lessons I have learned along the way. It is a very humbling experience watching people gain the courage to change and move forward in ways they never believed they could. If this kind of experience is something that you believe would be helpful to you, then you are in the right place. I can join you on your journey and help you find your way to your new destination—a new way of looking at yourself, a new career path, finding new friends, or finding a new spirituality to give new meaning and purpose to your life. I look forward to assisting you on your journey to your new destination!
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Communication problems, Control issues, Emptiness, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for David Affolter. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
David is great. He listens intently and makes sure he fully understands what you are saying before offering guidance. He isn’t pushy and just lets you go at your own pace.
Written on Aug 25, 2025 after therapy with David for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
There is not enough room here to type all the wonderful things I can say about David. I expressed my need to be taught how the mind and body works in order for me to "understand" how I will become healed. I have a strange way of needing to visualize how things work and David respects and understands that. I have never left a phone call disappointed except that I wish the sessions were longer. He definitely has a way of reminding me to calm down and healing doesn't happen overnight! If I message him from work because my anxiety is taking over, he does his best to respond right away. So very grateful for more than just one phone call per week.
Written on Jul 12, 2025 after therapy with David for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
David is empathetic and offers great advice and encouragement. He is understanding and makes effort to help manage mental and emotional loads
Written on May 10, 2025 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
David is the best therapist I’ve had for a long time and he has helped me through a very difficult period in my life. He helps me feel confident about my life choices and makes me feel listened to and understood.
Written on Mar 17, 2025 after therapy with David for 3 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coaching
David is an attentive and very professional therapist. I have only had a few sessions so far and he has helped me greatly with new tools I can use in my everyday life. I am glad that I found such a great therapist!
Written on Jan 30, 2025 after therapy with David for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and anger management
I can't say enough about how incredible my experience with David Affolter has been. From the moment I started working with him, he created a safe, compassionate space where I felt truly heard and supported. David's empathy, deep understanding of trauma, and ability to guide with kindness and wisdom have made a profound difference in my healing journey.
His approach is thoughtful and practical, offering techniques that really work, like grounding exercises and cold water therapy. He doesn't just listen-he helps me understand myself better while providing tools to navigate life's challenges with more confidence. Thanks to David's support, l've made significant progress in managing my CPTSD, setting boundaries, and finding peace within myself.
If you're looking for a therapist who genuinely cares and is highly skilled in helping clients heal and grow, I wholeheartedly recommend David Affolter. He's truly one of a kind, and I'm so grateful for his guidance.
Written on Jan 06, 2025 after therapy with David for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Pretty awesome, full of wonderful tips
Written on Aug 13, 2024 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I have started therapy with David three weeks ago. He is understanding, kind and open and also extremely able in helping me to fill in the blanks. I am confident the therapy will be very fruitful. Thank you
Written on Jul 12, 2024 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
He is patient, kind, and has creative ideas to help me push through my problems. You can tell he knows what he’s talking about and comes across as wise and helpful, and never judgemental.
Written on May 26, 2024 after therapy with David for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, coping with life changes, and adhd
Great service from my therapist
Written on Apr 01, 2024 after therapy with David for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
David is very supportive.
Written on Mar 21, 2024 after therapy with David for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Wise.
Written on Mar 02, 2024 after therapy with David for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
David has been instrumental in helping me to get my life back on track. Throughout the last year, he has guided me and helped me heal with emotional, mental, marital, and faith issues. He has truly been an amazing support system and mentor in my life. Thanks for all you have done David!
Written on Jan 03, 2024 after therapy with David for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, and self esteem
David has been a wonderful source of support during our brief time together. He is genuinely present during every moment of our sessions, which is evident by the insightful questions he poses. I would highly recommend David to anyone seeking guidance from a compassionate man who has obviously lived a lot of life and is willing to freely share his wisdom.
Written on Nov 10, 2023 after therapy with David for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
He has been very helpful in me overcoming my trauma in my past relationship, and continue growing and maintaining a more positive outlook
Written on Sep 28, 2023 after therapy with David for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
He is a natural and great listener! He has helped me tremendously with just a few sessions together.
Written on Sep 12, 2023 after therapy with David for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
Mr. Affolter is respectful and listens. He also gives me things to think about to help me with my issues.
Written on Sep 06, 2023 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Great therapist that listens, guides, and empathetic to your issues. I will continue to see him for therapy.
Written on Sep 05, 2023 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and coaching
Thankful that God has put him in my life. Very helpful, great perspective
Written on Aug 13, 2023 after therapy with David for 3 months
David is a very professional and caring therapist. Highly knowledgeable in the Scriptures and prays for me every session. Thank you David for sharing your gift with me. God graciously bless you and your loved ones.
Written on Aug 03, 2023 after therapy with David for 2 weeks
David is kind and knowledgeable. I wanted to work with somebody that is good, mature, and is a person of faith. Betterhelp connected me with David and I would highly recommend him!
Written on Jun 18, 2023 after therapy with David for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
A truly amazing help, David is a very patient, kind, and knowledgeable listener, who offers constructive tools every session to help me implement the advice/suggestions/insights he provides during each session. He’s extremely responsive by message and is very easy to schedule appts with. I can’t recommend him enough!
Written on Jun 01, 2023 after therapy with David for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion
Amazing in all ways!
Written on Mar 09, 2023 after therapy with David for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and anger management
David is a great therapist, and an all around great guy. He taught me methods that I use on a daily basis, and was available to help me anytime I needed. One of the best out there, and I would recommend David to anyone!
Written on Feb 05, 2023 after therapy with David for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
David has always been my #1 supporter. Even when everything felt lost, David was there to sit with me and help me work my own way through it.
It's been quite the journey over the past couple of years, and it's time for the next stage in my adventure. David is patient, kind, with a great sense of humour. He is full of wisdom and encouragement and not afraid to make me challenge my own thoughts in a considerate and careful way.
Thanks David for being a part of this journey, I hope many others will get to experience David's companionship on their own paths.
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with David for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and self esteem
He is wonderful and is helping me so much.
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with David for 6 months
David has been a tremendous help in assisting me with learning how to set boundaries, gaining control over my thoughts, and learning how to develop healthy habits to allow myself to be more calm. This has helped my mental health as well as my physical health with fibromyalgia.
Written on Dec 27, 2022 after therapy with David for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, coaching, and compassion fatigue
David Affolter has been really helpful for me when working through my anxiety issues. Both from regular, responsive communication, and with helpful resources. He has given me a lot of tools that I implemented in my daily life to help keep my stress and anxiety in check. Regular check ins have also helped reinforce inbetween our sessions.
Written on Nov 11, 2022 after therapy with David for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and intimacy-related issues
David is incredible!
Written on Nov 05, 2022 after therapy with David for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
After just my first video session with David I was filled with such hope. I knew then like I know now that I am going to make it through this hard time in my life. I'm already beyond grateful for David coming into my life and supporting me through this. I could not ask for a better mentor. Thank you, David. I am a good person and I will prevail.
Written on Oct 03, 2022 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
David is an extremely good therapist. He's an incredible listener and responder. We connect on a lot of different things and I really appreciate that. I would recommend him to anyone who needs therapy.
Written on Sep 14, 2022 after therapy with David for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
David is a top class therapist. His advice has already begun to shift my life back into gear. I look forward to our weekly sessions.
Written on Sep 12, 2022 after therapy with David for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
David is great and listens with patience.
Written on Aug 31, 2022 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and career difficulties
Very helpful information given to me outside the therapy session.
Written on Aug 12, 2022 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
David is a great resource! I appreciate his listening skills and advice.
Written on Jun 27, 2022 after therapy with David for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Excellent and very professional.
Written on May 23, 2022 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management
Dr. Affolter is a very caring, patient, and knowledgeable therapist. He is very encouraging, and I trust him to help me with my trauma/grief related issues.
Written on May 11, 2022 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and compassion fatigue
David was awesome at asking questions and posing ideas that made me think inwardly about my goals and hopes for the future. Thanks David. So much.
Written on Feb 06, 2022 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
David is a one of a kind therapist and a huge blessing to my prayers! I have never had a therapist that responded to my needs with thoughtful, sincere responses and helpful ideas for my anxiety. David has helped me so much and will continue to help me. Highly recommend him to anyone who has felt unheard and unimportant to other therapists/counseling practices.
Written on Dec 29, 2021 after therapy with David for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Very positive and a great listener and cheerleader!
Written on Nov 10, 2021 after therapy with David for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
David is a lovely guy! He's kind, helpful and supportive and has helped me greatly.
Written on Nov 06, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 months on issues concerning self esteem, and adhd
Very supportive offers various possible solutions! Makes you feel at ease to share.
Written on Aug 09, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and anger management
I have never done counseling before and David is so respectful, courteous, and I always feel comfortable talking to him. Only in a few sessions and I've gotten a lot of issues fixed through his insight and wisdom. Always understanding and provides me with applicable scripture I can use to grow closer to Christ. Encouraging and Empowering me that I can be an overcomer! Highly recommend him. Very informative and provides resources and easy to understand lessons. My favorite part is we always pray during our live sessions and he is frequent to check up on me and my prayer life, and making sure I'm keeping in the word of God and being led by his spirit. Definitely a counselor that represents what Faithful Counseling is all about.
Written on Jul 20, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks
David has been fantastic! In the short time he’s been my therapist, he has made a huge difference with my anxiety and related issues.
Written on Jun 10, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
I am a therapist, David is wonderful and offering me evidence based practice that I have not ever used or studied. He is wonderful, empathetic and very skilled at what he does.
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I’ve been working with David for several months now and loving the process, his multi-faceted and at time direct approach, and partnership of unveiling a more holistic version of myself. I’ve learned lifelong tools to support me and create self-sufficiency and am (insert gasp while clutching fake pearls) at ease and much happier. I didn’t think this version of me was possible.
I was an anxiety junkie but this place after the unlearning is so beautiful. I will always be a work in progress and I’m learning to be ok with that. It’s been an honor to have David by my side and I hope he continues to remain there for much more of the journey.
Written on Apr 26, 2021 after therapy with David for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
David has been my absolute rock for the last 4 weeks. He has given me an array of information and techniques which have definitely eased my anxiety and helped me on my recovery journey. I am so pleased and I am so grateful to him for everything he has helped me through. Such a gentleman and so professional!
Written on Apr 18, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I've greatly appreciated David's input as I with through difficult experiences.
He listens well and doesn't waste words. When he offers ideas, they're well considered
Written on Mar 20, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Solid techniques to assist with anxiety and regular non-intrusive messages to help keep you going on the journey to get better.
Written on Mar 16, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
David is a very helpful person. Truly takes the time to understand and get to know you. It is hard for me to open up to people but I feel comfortable speaking to him. I mean this next statement with all due respect, I sort of feel like he’s my grandfather who truly cares about how I feel. I recommend anybody to have him help you if you want to improve yourself. Thank you David!
Written on Mar 02, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, anger management, and adhd
I’ve really enjoyed working with David. We’ve only had a couple of sessions but I feel very listened to and confident in the feedback he gives me. The resources he sends me are also very helpful and relevant to the issues we discuss. I’m so glad I found such a good fit so quickly!
Written on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
David is a very helpful counselor. He sent me a lot of helpful resources as well as general checkups throughout the week which were very helpful and sincere. I feel that my communication has already bettered with some worksheets that were provided. Thank you again for all your help David!
Written on Jan 08, 2021 after therapy with David for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
He is the best! Helping navigate through life in a healthy, safe, friendly manner!
Written on Dec 13, 2020 after therapy with David for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Mr. David is a solid therapist. I’m getting exactly what I signed up for and previous experiences has me feeling unheard and annoyed by the advice but Mr. David is great.
Written on Nov 30, 2020 after therapy with David for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
He is amazing. He has helped me so much. He is unconventional and very nice and respectful.
Written on Oct 28, 2020 after therapy with David for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
David is easy to talk to and does a good job with adapting to my individual needs. He doesn't make assumptions and does a good job getting to the heart of the issue and is supportive along the way with taking steps. Although I have just met with him twice, I feel he is a good choice if you are looking for scripturally based counseling for spiritual growth and taking steps to overcoming hardship.
Written on Oct 04, 2020 after therapy with David for 2 weeks
Great guy, helped me alot in the first session.
Written on Oct 01, 2020 after therapy with David for 2 weeks
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