Sheryl Derby, LCSW

Sheryl Derby, LCSW, brings more than two decades of social work experience to her practice in Arizona. She earned a Master of Social Work with a Child Welfare emphasis from Arizona State University and has worked in clinical roles for 22 years. Sheryl focuses on helping people reduce distress and regain a sense of balance in daily life.

She uses clear, practical methods in sessions. Sheryl often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thinking and try different actions. She also integrates client-centered techniques to listen closely and build on each person’s strengths.

Sheryl has supported people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting stresses, sleep problems, anger, bipolar concerns, and ADHD. Her background also includes working with veterans and those affected by the child welfare and juvenile systems.

Sessions focus on identifying realistic goals and learning coping skills that fit each person’s life. She blends mindful exercises, skills from dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to help people manage emotions and stay motivated for change.

Outside of work she cares for basset hounds, practices yoga, and volunteers with geriatric and hospice animals. Sheryl aims to guide and empower people toward calmer, more manageable days.

Approaches that translate to online care

Sheryl commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes that can ease anxiety or depression. She also uses client-centered therapy, which means she focuses on listening and building on each person’s strengths to guide progress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are added when people need help managing intense emotions and improving coping and distress tolerance.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. She works collaboratively to pick methods that match a person’s goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made. The client and therapist decide together which skills and exercises to try between sessions.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions let you use visual cues and try behavioral exercises in real time. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work for brief check-ins, skill reminders, and staying connected between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to practice skills consistently.