Michael Shaughnessy, LMHC

Michael Shaughnessy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida with 39 years of experience. He brings a straightforward, down-to-earth style to sessions and uses humor when it helps. Michael aims to make therapy a place where people can look honestly at the problems that led them to seek help. He has worked in many settings, including inpatient treatment for substance use, co-dependency, and eating disorders, and has spent decades in independent practice. That background means he is familiar with depression, anxiety, trauma from distressing experiences, and the kinds of issues that leave people feeling lost. He has also helped many couples who wanted to improve or repair their marriages. Michael describes his approach as eclectic with an experiential bent. He emphasizes acceptance of self and others and often shares life lessons from his own experiences when it supports the work. He says he brings a tenacious spirit to therapy and won’t give up on a person who wants help. In sessions he may help people untangle recurring patterns, work on relationship concerns, manage stress and grief, or address addictive behaviors. He also supports people facing parenting strain, intimacy problems, career decisions, and compassion fatigue. His tone is conversational and pragmatic, aimed at steady progress rather than quick fixes. People who prefer a therapist who mixes warmth, practical insight, and a bit of humor may find his style a good fit. Those interested in starting can follow the site’s process to match and schedule a first appointment.

How his approaches shape online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person without judgment. The therapist follows the person’s lead, helping them name feelings and make choices that fit their life. This approach can be useful for stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, and grief.

Existential Therapy looks at life’s big questions and how people find meaning. It helps when someone feels stuck, lost, or overwhelmed by change and wants clearer direction or acceptance of difficult realities.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Michael will discuss what feels most helpful and adjust based on the client’s goals and preferences. He treats the process as collaborative, inviting feedback and changes as therapy progresses.

The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the current options before booking. Online counseling can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow people to meet with a licensed professional from different locations. Some formats can also be better for shorter check-ins or for people who prefer not to use video. Discussing practical needs up front helps match the session type to everyday life.