Sheryl Derby , LCSW

Sheryl Derby, LCSW, brings extensive training in social work and family studies to her clinical practice. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and earned a Master of Social Work with a Child Welfare emphasis from Arizona State University. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - she is credentialed to provide clinical social work services and therapeutic care.

With 22 years of experience in social work and 17 years providing clinical supervision, she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families across a range of settings. Her clinical background includes supporting veterans, families involved in the child welfare system, juveniles in the court system, and homeless families. This breadth of experience informs her work with complex life circumstances and diverse needs.

Her areas of clinical focus include depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting and family concerns, self-esteem, relationship and intimacy-related issues, grief, sleep difficulties, anger, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and coping with life changes. She also works with communication problems, mood disorders, panic disorder and panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue.

Sheryl uses an eclectic, client-centered approach that blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with strength-based and solution-focused techniques to identify strengths and develop practical coping skills. She collaborates with clients to set goals and tailor interventions that fit each person and family.

Outside of clinical work she prioritizes self-care by spending time with her basset hounds, practicing yoga, and volunteering at a retirement home for geriatric and hospice animals. Her practice emphasizes support, guidance, and empowerment for those navigating life’s challenges.

Therapeutic Approaches and the Benefits of Online Care

Sheryl Derby integrates client-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship that places the client's goals and values at the center of care - it is well suited for improving self-esteem, relationship concerns, and general coping. CBT helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is often effective for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood-related challenges. DBT teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it useful for intense emotions, anger, and relationship difficulties.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. Sheryl collaborates with clients to determine which strategies fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress is made. This collaborative process helps tailor interventions to each person's life and priorities.

Online therapy expands access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options provide flexibility for scheduling, reduce travel time, and allow clients to engage from settings that feel comfortable to them. Licensed professionals, including therapists, can adapt these formats to deliver active, skills-based, and supportive treatment that fits modern lifestyles.