- CBT techniques
- ACT principles
- Motivational interviewing
About Debra
Debra Shelton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 22 years of clinical experience. She practices in Florida and works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, low self-esteem, compassion fatigue, and guilt and shame.
Her style is straightforward and interactive. Sessions are described as direct and casual, while remaining respectful. She uses practical problem-solving and helps people try out new perspectives and behaviors instead of offering abstract advice.
Debra blends several approaches to fit what each person needs. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and to build new habits. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas are used to clarify values and to accept difficult feelings while taking meaningful actions.
She also uses client-centered and humanistic ideas to listen and reflect, and motivational interviewing to support readiness for change. Mindfulness practices are brought in to help with stress, sleep, and present-moment noticing.
In sessions she works with people recovering from difficult relationship dynamics and from addiction, and she helps those coping with life transitions, blended family issues, caregiver strain, and aging concerns. Debra emphasizes learning skills you can use after sessions end and finding practical steps for everyday life.
To begin, she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so treatment goals and next steps can be discussed.
How her approaches translate to online work
Debra commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her clinical work. ACT helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match what matters most. CBT focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that keep distress going and practicing different responses to change those patterns.She views the choice of approach as a collaborative decision. The therapist and client look at the person's goals, symptoms, and preferences and then try methods that fit. Adjustments are made along the way based on what helps the person make steady, practical changes.
The original biography does not specify session delivery methods, so confirm the available online session options before booking. Many people find online work useful because it can be easier to fit sessions into a day, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to use mindfulness or behavioral exercises between sessions. Licensed professionals adapt ACT and CBT exercises for remote sessions so clients can practice skills in everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to guilt and shame?
She works with guilt and shame alongside depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, addiction, and family issues.
How would she approach feelings of persistent guilt?
She uses a mix of cognitive behavioral tools and ACT ideas to notice unhelpful thoughts, practice different responses, and clarify values for action.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 22 years of experience as a practicing counselor and mental health clinician.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She holds LPC and LMHC credentials and practices in Florida.
Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are used for therapy?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to discuss goals.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.