Dr. Shannon Derby, LMHC
Experienced Florida LMHC for life transitions
Continue with Shannon
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- Practical goal focus
- Skills for daily life
- Warm, respectful care
About Shannon
Dr. Shannon Derby is a Florida-licensed mental health counselor with 25 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, or major life changes. She focuses on practical steps to rebuild confidence and regain motivation.
She works in a respectful, compassionate way and adapts conversations to each person’s needs. Sessions are collaborative and focused on real-life goals. She listens for patterns that keep problems repeating and helps people try small, testable changes.
Her approach draws on evidence-informed methods like cognitive behavioral techniques and acceptance strategies. Those methods help people notice unhelpful thinking, practice new skills, and make values-based choices that feel meaningful. She also uses attachment-informed perspectives to understand relationship patterns and emotional responses.
Dr. Derby emphasizes skills people can use between sessions. That may include short behavioral experiments, grounding or emotion-regulation practices, and homework that fits daily life. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.
When someone is facing grief, parenting strain, intimacy questions, or career crossroads, she helps map practical options and next steps. She encourages clear, manageable goals so change feels possible. The first session is used to set priorities and plan a path forward.
She works in a respectful, compassionate way and adapts conversations to each person’s needs. Sessions are collaborative and focused on real-life goals. She listens for patterns that keep problems repeating and helps people try small, testable changes.
Her approach draws on evidence-informed methods like cognitive behavioral techniques and acceptance strategies. Those methods help people notice unhelpful thinking, practice new skills, and make values-based choices that feel meaningful. She also uses attachment-informed perspectives to understand relationship patterns and emotional responses.
Dr. Derby emphasizes skills people can use between sessions. That may include short behavioral experiments, grounding or emotion-regulation practices, and homework that fits daily life. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.
When someone is facing grief, parenting strain, intimacy questions, or career crossroads, she helps map practical options and next steps. She encourages clear, manageable goals so change feels possible. The first session is used to set priorities and plan a path forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Florida
Languages
English
How her approaches translate to remote work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often called ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and decisions during midlife changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying thought and behavior patterns and practicing alternatives to reduce distress and improve mood.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, past attempts, and daily routines to decide which methods to try. That plan is adjusted as needed so it fits the person’s life and priorities.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Some remote sessions also permit working on skills in the moment, like grounding or brief behavioral experiments, so progress can be practiced between meetings.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Dr. Derby help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, coping with life changes, and related issues such as grief, parenting strain, and career concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens carefully, sets clear goals, and uses short exercises and homework to make steady progress.
What is her professional background?
She has 25 years of professional work experience helping people with motivation, self-esteem, anger, and other common difficulties.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Florida LMHC, licensed in Florida and practicing there.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees 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 her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.