Brian Willshire , LPC

Brian Willshire is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Michigan who brings two decades of clinical experience to his practice. He combines practical therapeutic skill with a faith-informed perspective when requested, and he emphasizes helping people regain balance by focusing on what they can control while accepting what they cannot.

Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in the Kalamazoo Diocese on April 13, 2024 alongside his wife of 32 years, he sees faith and spiritual practice as one possible route to healing emotional wounds. At the same time, he recognizes the role of biological and psychological factors in mental health and tailors care to each person’s circumstances and preferences. He only integrates Catholic or Christian faith-based counseling at a client’s request and works with people from all faith traditions as well as those with little or no faith.

Brian helps clients address stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, depression, grief, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem issues, and coping with life changes. He prioritizes listening, fostering clearer thinking, and supporting clients in setting and communicating healthy boundaries to improve daily functioning and relationships.

Approaches for Online Support and Practical Change

Brian Willshire draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems; CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to improve daily functioning. He also uses Mindfulness Therapy, which teaches present-moment awareness and stress-reduction techniques that can help with emotional regulation, coping with grief, and improving self-esteem. When appropriate, he incorporates Solution-Focused Therapy to set clear, achievable goals and build on clients’ existing strengths to create rapid, practical change.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Brian collaborates with clients to determine which combination of methods best fits their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and he adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations, while preserving the same therapeutic focus on skills, boundaries, and relationship improvement.