David Schnabel, M.Ed., CMPC, (Intern Therapist)

David Schnabel, M.Ed., CMPC
Intern Therapist

I am an intern therapist at The Center for Growth from January 2026 through January 2027. I am currently a Master’s candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University and previously earned a Master of Education in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. I also hold the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and earned my undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. I recently completed a semester as a counseling intern at Thrive Wellness, based in Brooklyn, from September 2025 to January 2026.

Before entering clinical training, I spent over a decade working in professional sports, supporting athletes and high performers in the areas of mental performance, confidence, focus, emotional regulation, and well-being. That work has deeply shaped how I understand people, pressure, identity, and change. At the highest levels of performance, I learned that success is rarely about fixing something that’s broken; it’s about creating space to slow down, reflect honestly, and talk through the things most people feel they have to carry alone.

One of the biggest shifts I’ve witnessed, especially among men, is a growing recognition that asking for support is not a weakness, but a strength. People are beginning to realize that you can appear capable, driven, and outwardly successful, yet still struggle privately with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or a sense of disconnection. Whatever you choose to do and whatever stage of life you’re in, you don’t have to go through challenges or struggles alone. Therapy offers a place to explore these experiences openly and without judgment.

How I Work

My therapeutic style is collaborative, grounded, and practical, while still leaving room to explore depth and meaning. I believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely understood and respected, and when the work is paced thoughtfully rather than rushed. I aim to create a space where you don’t have to perform, impress, or have the “right” words.

I draw primarily from person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and existential approaches. My work centers on the belief that people already possess the capacity for growth and change. My role is to help you clarify what’s getting in the way, understand patterns that may no longer be serving you, and develop tools to move forward with more confidence and self-trust.

CBT allows us to closely examine the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, especially when anxiety, avoidance, or self-criticism begin to take over. Existential work creates space to explore bigger questions around meaning, identity, purpose, and values, particularly during periods of transition or uncertainty. Person-centered therapy grounds everything in empathy, authenticity, and a strong therapeutic relationship. I am influenced by Carl Rogers’ work on the real self and the idealized self, which helps us explore where there may be a gap between who you feel you are and who you think you’re supposed to be, and how that gap can quietly drive anxiety, behavior patterns, and the choices you make.

In sessions, I tend to be warm, attentive, and engaged. I listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and offer reflections that help connect the dots. At times, I may gently challenge you or point out patterns I’m noticing to support insight and growth. Therapy with me is not about quick fixes, but about building understanding and momentum over time.

Areas of Clinical Interest

I am particularly interested in working with teens and adults navigating:

• Anxiety and performance-related stress

• Social anxiety and self-consciousness

• High-functioning anxiety and burnout

• Identity concerns and life transitions

• Relationship and intimacy challenges

• Emotional expression and vulnerability, especially for men

• Confidence, self-esteem, and self-doubt

• Pressure related to work, school, athletics, or leadership roles

Much of my clinical interest centers on individuals who appear “fine” on the outside but feel internally overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. Many of these clients are used to pushing through discomfort and minimizing their own needs. Therapy becomes a place to slow things down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and to others.

I have a strong interest in working with men and individuals in high-pressure environments. Cultural expectations around toughness, productivity, and emotional control often make it difficult to acknowledge stress, anxiety, or vulnerability. Over time, this can show up as emotional numbness, irritability, relationship conflict, or persistent anxiety.

In our work together, we focus on building emotional awareness without losing a sense of agency or direction. Therapy does not mean giving up strength, but rather redefining it. We work on developing skills for emotional regulation, clearer communication, and greater alignment between values and actions.

What You Can Expect

Clients often describe my approach as steady, thoughtful, and supportive. I value honesty, curiosity, and collaboration. Sessions are shaped around your goals and what feels most relevant to your life right now.

You can expect:

• A nonjudgmental, grounded therapeutic space

• A balance of reflection and practical tools

• Thoughtful pacing and clear communication

• Respect for your autonomy and lived experience

I work under licensed supervision and am committed to ethical, culturally responsive care. I continue to integrate my clinical training with my background in performance psychology to support clients in navigating both internal and external demands.

Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of my clinical work, I value movement, creativity, and meaningful connection. My background in sports and performance continues to inform how I think about resilience, discipline, and balance. I believe growth happens not through perfection, but through honest effort and self-compassion. My wife, two-year-old son, and dog recently moved to the Philadelphia area, and we love exploring everything the region has to offer.

One Last Thing:

Reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Therapy is simply a place to begin the conversation. Whatever stage of life you’re in and whatever challenges you’re facing, you don’t have to go through them alone.

David Schnabel, M.Ed., CMPC, (Intern Therapist)'s Resume