Debra Shelton

Debra Shelton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 22 years of experience. She practices in Florida and works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, low self-esteem, and the strain of life transitions. Debra also addresses compassion fatigue and related caregiver concerns.

Her manner is direct and conversational. Sessions are interactive and practical. She helps people identify steps they can try and practices to reduce distress. Expect straightforward conversations about what is getting in the way and what might change.

Debra draws on cognitive behavioral approaches and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people examine thinking patterns and notice what matters most. She also uses client-centered ideas to listen for each person’s perspective and motivational interviewing when readiness for change is uncertain.

Typical work includes building problem-solving skills, practicing new ways of responding, and using mindfulness exercises to calm an overactive mind. She may help a person test new behaviors between sessions and reflect on what worked. The focus is on practical tools that can be used day to day.

Debra has years of experience guiding people through difficult transitions and recovery from relational abuse. People who come when they feel stuck or uncertain about next steps will find an approach that emphasizes clarity and practical change rather than abstract theory.

How Debra brings ACT and CBT work into online sessions

Debra uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and reconnect with what matters to them. ACT often involves learning simple exercises to accept difficult feelings while taking small steps toward chosen values.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify thinking patterns that increase anxiety or depression and to practice different responses. CBT work tends to be concrete - tracking thoughts, testing assumptions, and trying new behaviors between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Debra treats therapeutic style as collaborative and will help figure out what fits the client’s goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions may blend ACT, CBT, client-centered listening, and motivational interviewing depending on what a person needs in the moment.

The biography does not specify which online session formats are provided, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel, allowing shorter check-ins, or making it easier to schedule around work and caregiving. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and mindfulness practices for remote sessions so progress can continue between meetings.