- 22 years experience
- LCSW in New York
- Values-based therapy
About David
David Ackerman is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. He brings 22 years of experience helping people who are facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, trauma, and struggles with mood and behavior. He aims to create a calm, working relationship where people can talk openly and set real goals.
In sessions he uses a blend of client-centered work and other approaches to match what each person needs. He focuses on practical skills for coping with life changes, addictions, sleep and eating problems, low self-esteem, and the daily strain of caregiving or work. He also supports people dealing with abandonment, adoption and foster care issues, chronic illness, and body image concerns.
His style is warm and interactive. He listens, helps people name what matters, and then practices new ways of responding. That can mean learning emotion skills, shifting how someone tells their life story, or finding values-based steps to reduce avoidance and increase committed action.
David has long experience with complex problems such as bipolar disorder, chronic mental health conditions, and personality-related patterns. He emphasizes building coping skills, clearer communication, and better emotional connection with others.
To begin, he asks about goals and what has or has not helped before. From there he collaborates with each person to develop a plan that fits their life and priorities.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then take small steps toward what matters most. It can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and making life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and supporting a person's own insight and choices, which helps people build confidence and clearer goals. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) works with emotions and attachment needs to improve how people connect and respond to one another.Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with each person about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust as progress is made. The therapist and client decide together which approaches to focus on based on needs, preferences, and what feels most useful.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in during a lunch break, or avoiding travel time. It also allows consistent weekly work when schedules or location make in-person visits difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, client-centered listening, and EFT techniques to an online setting so therapy stays focused on practical skills, emotion work, and values-based steps.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns as well as trauma, grief, addictions, and mood issues such as bipolar disorder.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His approach is warm and interactive, combining client-centered listening with practical, goal-focused work to build coping skills and clearer communication.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 22 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of mental health and life challenges.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) registered in New York.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session formats before booking, as the therapist's biography does not specify which formats are offered.
How are fees and payment handled?
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?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.