Dave Zellmer, LICSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dave (pronouns: he/him/his) uses a relational approach and incorporates the Couples Developmental Model with an eclectic range of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and narrative therapy. Dave believes that the therapeutic process is a journey where client and practitioner work together collaboratively to achieve goals through a strengths-based and client empowerment approach. In his work with clients Dave recognizes that each client’s strengths, needs and goals are unique and he tailors his therapeutic approach accordingly to best support each client.
Dave enjoys working with couples across a range of clinical issues including co-parenting issues, affair recovery, sexual health issues, and navigating conflict arising from differences. Dave finds the Developmental Model to be well-suited in assisting couples in building differentiation and navigating difficult life experiences, and he enjoys helping couples develop the skills to effectively and assertively communicate around difficult topics and authentically clarify boundaries. Additional clinical interests include LGBTQIA+ issues, including gender and sexual identity exploration, as well as providing therapeutic services to assist clients in accessing gender-affirming medical care; helping clients cope with and manage ongoing mental health needs; grief, death and loss; trauma; and school issues.
Previous to working at the Couples Center Dave has worked in outpatient and residential settings providing couples therapy for adults as well as individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, young adults and their families. He has also worked as a therapist in the community college and university settings, with a special focus on assisting with adjustment to college, managing emerging and/or ongoing mental health needs (most often involving anxiety, depression, bipolar and PTSD) and safely processing past and/or current traumas.
Dave is Kink Knowledgeable and Poly-Aware/Poly-Affirming. He believes therapy must be a safe space for clients to explore issues while acknowledging and affirming all of their intersecting identities."
Credentials: LICSW/LMSW (licensed in MA and MI)
Education: M.S.W.
Dave Zellmer
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
CONTACT INFORMATION
Couples Center of the Pioneer Valley
1 Ashfield Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
contact@pioneervalleycouplestherapy.com
Phone: 413-687-7488
Testimonials
"My husband and I had the pleasure of working with David at the Couples Center for couples therapy. It was hard work and difficult to face some of the truths of our relationship but with David’s guidance and expertise in working with couples in trouble we navigated through some very difficult conversations. Our relationship is stronger Now than it has ever been after 32 years of marriage. I highly recommend The Couples Center to any couple who is struggling."
"I worked with Dave Zellmer, LMSW for several years and cannot recommend him highly enough! Dave has a calm presence and is incredibly knowledgeable. He partners with clients in a non-judgmental space to heal, process, and move forward in healthy ways. He's organized, responsive, and continually engages in professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices. Dave uses evidence-based methods in an empathetic way, creating a safe and respectful space for all of his clients. If you're looking for an amazing therapist and human, go see Dave!"
"Dave Zellmer, LMSW is truly one of the best clinicians that I've had the pleasure of working with. He has the ability to build a great therapeutic alliance with his clients. He does this by creating a space that invites, expects, and is designed for healing dialogue. Dave, works hard to create a safe space for his clients so that they feel comfortable expressing themselves honestly. One of the things that I admire most about Dave is that he strives to understand his clients and their true feelings. By doing this, he is able to figure out how to use factual and real information in their journey towards healing. If you are looking for good therapy and a non-bias therapist, I strongly encourage you to schedule with Dave Zellmer."