Michael Shaughnessy

Michael Shaughnessy enjoys tennis, running, college football, his work, and his wife - not necessarily in that order. He brings 39 years of professional experience creating a safe enough space for people to examine, explore, and work toward resolving the issues that led them to seek help.

He is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and has served clients in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient programs for substance use, co-dependency, and eating disorders. Michael has maintained a private practice for several decades, working both within a group practice and as a solo practitioner.

Across his career he has supported people managing depression, anxiety, trauma from distressing life events, and those who feel a bit lost at certain points in life. He has also assisted numerous couples seeking to improve or save their marriages. His practice has included work with people from many cultures and diverse walks of life.

Clinically, Michael describes his approach as eclectic with a strong leaning toward experiential therapy. He emphasizes acceptance of self and others as a foundation for greater harmony. Humor is often part of sessions, and he brings a tenacious spirit to his work - he does not give up on people. Compassion and competence guide his support through pain, loss, and complicated emotions, and he draws on decades of both personal and professional experience, sharing life lessons, including mistakes and successes.

Michael believes that people are shaped by their life experiences and that personality evolves over time. Some become stuck and need a nudge, while others dive straight into the work. He often helps clients develop a healthier balance among their internal parent, adult, and child selves when imbalances contribute to distress.