Michael Shaughnessy
Practical, experienced counselor for life and family
- Credentials
- LMHC
- Experience
- 39 years
- Licensed in
- Florida
- Languages
- English
- Format
- Online sessions
About Michael
Michael Shaughnessy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida with 39 years of clinical experience. He brings a straightforward, down-to-earth style to sessions and often uses humor to ease difficult conversations. Parents reading this will find his tone practical and clear rather than clinical.
He has worked in a range of settings, including inpatient treatment for substance use, co-dependency, and eating disorders, and has maintained independent practice work for many years.
Background and approach
That background means he has seen a wide variety of struggles, from depression and anxiety to traumatic experiences and relationship breakups. In the room he leans toward experiential methods and a client-centered way of working. He helps people talk through painful events, sort through mixed feelings, and figure out next steps.
He also draws on life experience and keeps therapy conversational rather than textbook. Michael describes himself as tenacious and reluctant to give up on someone. He will share relevant personal and professional insights when it helps the conversation move forward, and he balances challenge with acceptance.
Parents who are looking for help with family or parenting concerns, relationship matters, stress, or addiction-related issues will find his practical focus useful. He works with matters related to grief, anger, intimacy, and coping with life changes, guiding clients toward small, manageable changes. Sessions are conducted in English and Michael accepts international clients.
His practice aims to be collaborative, helping people find what works for their life and family situation.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and following the client's lead. The therapist creates space for the person to set the pace, name priorities, and feel understood, which helps with issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship stress.Existential Therapy looks at questions about meaning, choice, and responsibility. It helps people facing life transitions, grief, or feelings of being stuck by encouraging honest reflection on values and next steps.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael will collaborate with each person to see which methods fit their goals and preferences. Together they decide whether to emphasize listening and support, hands-on experiential exercises, or deep conversations about meaning and choices.
Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. These formats allow parents and busy people to connect from home, adjust timing around schedules, and keep continuity when life is hectic. The variety of options supports different communication styles and practical needs.
Client-Centered Therapy
The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.
Existential Therapy
Takes the larger questions seriously: meaning, choice, mortality, responsibility. Suited to periods when the difficulty is less a symptom than a sense that something has to change.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
What is his therapeutic style like?
How much experience does he have?
What are his credentials and where is he based?
Can I work with him from another country?
Which session formats are available?
How are sessions paid for?
What do I do to begin therapy?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
Also works with
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- LGBT
- Parenting issues
- Trauma and abuse
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 39 years
- Licensed
- Florida
- Languages
- English
Next step
Talk to Michael
- Takes a few minutes
- Nothing to set up just to look
- Stop at any point