- Years in practice
- 39
- Credentials
- LMHC
- Licensed in
- Florida
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Addictions
- Focus
- Relationship issues
About Michael
Michael Shaughnessy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida with 39 years of experience. He brings a long career of direct work across settings to his sessions. Michael writes plainly and uses humor to ease tense moments in the room.
He has worked in inpatient settings for substance abuse, co-dependency, and eating disorders, and has maintained independent practice for decades. That history informs how he supports people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life changes.
Background and approach
He also helps people navigate relationship strain and parenting concerns. Michael uses an eclectic, experiential style rather than a single formula. He leans toward client-centered conversations that honor each person’s pace and priorities.
He often draws on his own life lessons to illustrate points and make therapy feel more relatable. Sessions are collaborative and down-to-earth. Michael looks for practical steps that people can try between meetings.
He values persistence and does not give up easily when challenges feel entrenched. People who come to him often want straightforward feedback, some levity, and a therapist who will stay engaged through setbacks. He focuses on helping clients become unstuck, strengthen relationships, manage grief or loss, and reduce anxiety and stress so everyday life feels more manageable.
What Michael works with
Everything Michael lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Michael helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Eating disorders
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
Approaches Michael lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's experience without judgment. Online sessions using this approach center the conversation on what matters to the client and help clarify goals and choices, which can be useful for stress, relationship concerns, and parenting questions.Existential therapy looks at meaning, responsibility, and life transitions. In online work this approach helps people facing major changes, grief, or feeling lost by exploring values and priorities and encouraging purposeful action.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will talk with clients about their needs, goals, and preferences and together decide which methods to emphasize. That collaboration helps tailor sessions so they feel relevant and doable.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for deeper emotional work. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when a quieter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging are convenient for brief updates, quick coaching, or scheduling. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to keep momentum between meetings.
Questions people ask about Michael
What concerns does he help with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, eating issues, LGBT concerns, parenting, grief, intimacy-related issues, anger, career questions, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is down-to-earth and often experiential. He leans client-centered, uses humor when appropriate, and aims for practical steps people can try between sessions.
What background and experience does he bring?
He has 39 years of clinical experience, including work in inpatient treatment for substance abuse, co-dependency, and eating disorders, plus decades in independent practice.
Where is he based and what are his credentials?
He is licensed in Florida as an LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and practices from that state.
Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
More therapists for parents in Florida
All in Florida
Paula Schneider
LCSW
Florida 20 years in practice
Practical, respectful therapy for parenting and relationships
- Addictions
- Relationship
- Family
Deana Duckenfield
LMHC, LPC
Florida 6 years in practice
Practical, goal-focused support for parents
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
Arielle Simpson
LMHC
Florida 12 years in practice
Supportive LMHC for parenting stress
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief