Dr. Shannon Derby, LMHC

Dr. Shannon Derby helps people who are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, low self-esteem, relationship or parenting challenges, and big life changes. She is a Florida licensed mental health counselor with 25 years of clinical experience. Her first aim is to listen and make a plan that fits each person.

Her approach is practical and straightforward. She uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and attachment-based work to help people change unhelpful patterns. Sessions focus on small, concrete steps that build new habits and reduce distress.

Dr. Derby adapts the pace to each person's needs. Sometimes the work is skill-building - like managing anxiety or anger. Other times it centers on processing loss, trauma, or relationship pain. She helps people weigh options and find what matters most to them.

She values respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every conversation. The plan for therapy is shaped together so it stays relevant and realistic. People are encouraged to try approaches and give feedback along the way.

Dr. Derby also supports clients dealing with career strain, caregiver burnout, attention challenges, and complex family histories such as adoption or blended family issues. Her style is calm and goal-focused, aimed at helping people regain a sense of control and move toward a more satisfying life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Dr. Shannon Derby commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help people change unhelpful thoughts and build meaningful routines. CBT focuses on identifying thinking patterns and trying small experiments to shift behavior and mood. ACT helps people clarify personal values and take action even when difficult thoughts or feelings show up.

She also draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationship patterns affect current connections and trust. That work can help when intimacy, abandonment, or communication problems are central concerns. Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process; the therapist and client discuss goals, try methods, and adjust the plan based on what works and what feels right.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make scheduling easier. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or chat can work well for shorter check-ins or when people need flexibility. These options let people fit therapy into work, caregiver schedules, or day-to-day life while keeping the focus on practical steps and progress.