- 25 years experience
- Florida LMHC
- Practical skill focus
About Shannon
Dr. Shannon Derby is a Florida-licensed mental health counselor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She brings 25 years of experience and a calm, respectful approach to conversations about motivation, anger, and confidence. She emphasizes practical steps people can use between sessions to make day-to-day life easier.
Her sessions are centered on listening first and adapting to each person. She tailors discussion and plans to the specific needs a person brings. That might mean short skill-building exercises one week and deeper emotional work the next.
She uses a mix of evidence-informed methods to guide problem solving. Dr. Derby draws on acceptance-based tools, cognitive strategies, and techniques that focus on emotional connection and present-moment choices. She also brings practices that teach distress tolerance and self-regulation for overwhelming feelings.
People come to her for a wide range of concerns, including relationship strain, parenting stress, grief, trauma, ADHD, and career questions. She also supports those facing addiction, bipolar challenges, and caregiver burnout. Her aim is to help people find clearer choices and more steady daily functioning.
Her style is patient and straightforward. She encourages small, achievable goals and checks progress together. Taking the first step can feel hard, and she offers steady support while people build new habits and coping skills.
Approaches that translate well to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then taking small steps toward what matters. It can help with anxiety, depression, and motivation by teaching practical ways to act despite fear. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts affect feelings and behavior and teaches specific skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for stress, anxiety, and mood concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers clear skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication when feelings feel overwhelming.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Dr. Derby collaborates with each person to pick methods that fit their goals and preferences. She checks in and adjusts the plan as people learn which skills help most in everyday life.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm available session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy around work, caregiving, and travel by removing commute time and letting them join from a quieter place. Other practical benefits include easier scheduling for short check-ins and the ability to use visual tools or worksheets on screen. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and DBT skills to remote sessions so the work stays focused and hands-on.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem, depression, career questions, grief, trauma, ADHD, and many life changes listed in her specialties.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is patient and practical, listening first and then tailoring discussion and small goals to each person's needs.
What is her professional background?
She has 25 years of professional experience supporting people through emotional and behavioral challenges.
What credentials and region does she practice in?
She is a FL LMHC licensed in Florida and practices with that credential in the state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she take international clients?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions billed or priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a therapy process with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.