- Stress and anxiety
- Depression and grief
- CBT and ACT methods
About Debra
Debra Shelton is an LPC and LMHC with 22 years of clinical experience and current practice in Florida. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction concerns, grief, trauma and other life changes. She also addresses sleep problems, low self-esteem, compassion fatigue, and a range of family and caregiving stressors.
Her approach is straightforward and interactive. Sessions are direct and casual while remaining respectful. She uses problem-solving, skill practice, and conversational work to help people try different perspectives and behaviors.
Debra draws on a mix of cognitive behavioral methods, acceptance and commitment ideas, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and client-centered principles. That means she helps people notice unhelpful thinking, clarify values, practice new actions, and build small habits that reduce stress and improve day-to-day functioning.
People often come for help after big life changes, difficult relationships, or when they feel stuck. She also supports those recovering from abusive relationships and those dealing with caregiver burnout or blended family tensions. Sessions include practical takeaways to use between meetings.
Her work aims to help people manage symptoms, strengthen coping, and move forward with clearer choices. To begin, clients follow the site matching process, complete a short questionnaire, and schedule a first session to see if the fit feels right.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small actions that align with those values. It is useful for anxiety, low mood, and feeling stuck because it focuses on meaningful steps rather than only changing thoughts.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking patterns and links them to behaviors. In practice this means identifying thoughts that fuel stress or depression, testing those thoughts, and trying new behaviors that produce different results.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, collaborative conversation where the therapist listens and reflects to help clients find their own solutions. This approach supports people who need time to sort out feelings and priorities without pressure to follow a set technique.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust as progress is made.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Discuss scheduling and practical arrangements during the initial matching and intake steps so sessions fit into everyday life.
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 kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addiction concerns, trauma and grief, plus sleep and self-esteem problems.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is direct, interactive and casual while staying respectful. Sessions focus on practical problem solving and skill practice.
How much experience does she have?
She has 22 years of clinical experience and has provided services on an online counseling platform for several years.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LPC and LMHC and practices in Florida with licensure noted as TN LPC and FL LMHC MH in her background.
Will sessions be in English or other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients; confirm time zones and scheduling during intake.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.