David Waddell

David Waddell, LCMHCA

David Waddell grew up in Whiteville, but has called Wilmington, NC home since graduating from UNCW in 2011. David specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, and anger. In sessions, David is known for his calm, laid back demeanor. 

David’s treatment foundation is evidence-based and customized to fit each client’s individual needs, as he pulls from therapeutic techniques rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.

David specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing anxiety. David helps explore the roots of anxiety, whether from bullying, social pressures, life transitions, or stressful events, and he gets how unending uncertainty can feel overwhelming when lugging around the weight of worry. His focus is on helping individuals discover their strengths and develop the confidence to manage life’s challenges.

As a school counselor, David is skilled in helping children and teens who struggle with anger. He understands how overwhelming it can be for families when big feelings turn into outbursts, frustration, or constant conflict. David helps young people recognize their triggers and learn simple tools to calm down, express their needs, and handle challenges more effectively. Through play and creative activities, he guides young people toward greater peace at home and school. 

David is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults who are struggling with depression. David helps guide those who lose motivation, withdraw from friends, or seem weighed down by sadness. David creates a judgement-free space where people can share openly, make sense of their feelings, and learn ways to see negative thinking from a whole new perspective. He helps them build healthy routines and rediscover new interests to restore hope that things can be different after all. 

 

Fun Fact: David has 2 dogs, and loves to cook… but hates cleaning up the mess!