Michael Shaughnessy, LMHC

Michael Shaughnessy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida with 39 years of clinical experience. He brings a long history of helping people who come to therapy after struggling with issues they could not resolve on their own. He describes himself as tenacious and compassionate and often uses humor to ease difficult conversations.

Over his career he has worked in inpatient settings for substance abuse, co-dependency, and eating disorders, and has run both group and solo private practices for decades. He has supported people coping with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship problems, and addiction. He also helps with parenting strains, career stress, and life transitions.

His style is eclectic but grounded in experience. He leans toward experiential work and emphasizes acceptance of self and others. He sometimes shares personal stories and life lessons to normalize struggle and offer perspective.

In sessions he aims to create a space where people can examine what brought them in and take steps toward change. He talks plainly, listens closely, and uses humor where helpful. He stays persistent with people who feel stuck and keeps working until progress is made.

Michael values practical change as much as understanding. He helps people identify patterns, try new ways of responding, and restore a sense of balance between their different inner parts. He welcomes conversations about goals and adjusts his approach to fit what each person needs.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person's lead. The therapist offers empathy, respect, and acceptance while helping people find their own answers. This approach can help with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and the emotional aftermath of trauma.

Existential Therapy looks at meaning, choice, and responsibility in a person's life. It helps people facing grief, life transitions, or a sense of being stuck by clarifying values and making purposeful choices.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods suit their goals, needs, and preferences. He adjusts his use of Client-Centered or Existential ideas based on what helps someone make progress.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life. It can save travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people connect from different locations. Because session formats are not specified here, confirm current session options before booking. Licensed professionals tailor online work so conversations can focus on resolving stress, addiction, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, or life changes without requiring a change to daily routines.