Dr. Shannon Derby, LMHC

Dr. Shannon Derby is a Florida licensed mental health counselor with 25 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and addictions. She also supports clients working through parenting strain, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, anger, and major life changes. Her approach centers on respectful, compassionate conversation that meets each person where they are.

In sessions she emphasizes collaboration and practical steps. She listens first, then helps clients clarify goals and try small changes that fit their daily life. She adapts her work to address self-esteem, motivation, and coping skills for conditions such as bipolar disorder and ADHD.

Dr. Derby uses several therapeutic methods to guide treatment. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts and commit to values-based action. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and build new habits. Attachment-Based work and Imago Relationship Therapy inform her work around closeness, communication, and relationship dynamics.

Her style is straightforward and warm. She aims to create a space where people feel heard and can try realistic changes. Treatment plans are individualized and adjusted as progress is made.

Dr. Derby practices in Florida as an LMHC. People who want to begin are invited to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online

Dr. Derby often blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy with practical strategies. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then taking actions that align with what matters most. It can help with anxiety, depression, and making life changes.

Attachment-Based Therapy examines how early relationship patterns affect current closeness and communication. It can be useful for people who struggle with trust, commitment issues, or repeated relationship conflicts. Client-Centered elements keep the work grounded in the client's priorities and pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to choose methods that match their goals, preferences, and day-to-day demands. That collaborative planning can include trying different techniques and checking what helps over time.

Practical benefits of online therapy can include fitting sessions into a busy schedule and reducing travel time. Because the biography did not list specific session formats, confirm which options are offered before booking. Many people find online work makes it easier to maintain consistency, schedule appointments around work or family needs, and use shorter check-ins when needed.