Sheryl Derby , LCSW

Sheryl Derby, LCSW, brings a long-standing commitment to helping individuals and families navigate life´s challenges. She earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and completed a Master of Social Work with a Child Welfare emphasis at Arizona State University. Sheryl has worked as a social worker for 21 years and has provided clinical supervision as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 17 years. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, indicating advanced clinical training and state licensure.

Her clinical experience spans work with children, adolescents, adults, and entire families. She has developed expertise addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting concerns. Over the years she has served veterans, families involved with the child welfare system, juveniles in the court system, and homeless families, shaping a practice that is responsive to diverse life circumstances.

Sheryl´s therapeutic style is eclectic and individualized, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with strength-based and solution-focused methods to identify practical coping skills and personal strengths. She partners with clients to set goals that support a calmer, more fulfilling life and tailors interventions to each person´s needs. Outside of clinical work she practices self-care by spending time with her basset hounds, doing yoga, and volunteering at a retirement home for geriatric and hospice animals. She looks forward to supporting, guiding, and empowering those who seek her care.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Sheryl often integrates Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to meet clients where they are. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship that helps people explore their feelings and discover personal solutions; it suits those seeking a collaborative, empathetic space to process concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical strategies, which can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.

She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques when clients benefit from skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT can support people coping with intense emotions, relationship challenges, or patterns that interfere with daily functioning. Choosing the right approach is part of the work together - Sheryl evaluates each person´s needs, goals, and preferences and collaborates to find the best fit.

Online therapy with Sheryl is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals from home or other convenient settings, helping clients maintain continuity of care while balancing life responsibilities.