Scott Shepherd, LPC

Scott Shepherd, MS, LPC brings three decades of experience in mental health and substance use treatment to his counseling practice. He has extensive work with people facing substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, and he helps clients navigate stress, anger, major life changes, and patterns of impulsive or compulsive decision making. He works with adults across a range of ages and life circumstances, with a focus on addiction-related concerns and the emotional issues that often accompany them.

Scott’s therapeutic work centers on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a practical, skills-based approach that helps clients identify thoughts and behaviors that contribute to distress and learn new ways to respond. He also draws on Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to tailor interventions to each person’s needs and readiness for change. Scott supports clients through the process of gaining awareness, exploring different perspectives, and choosing interventions that fit their goals.

Known for a collaborative, encouraging style, he aims to help people move toward their fullest potential, heal from wounds such as childhood trauma and grief, and develop renewed perspectives on life. LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, indicating formal training and licensure to provide professional counseling services.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with more effective patterns - it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for regulating intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress, which can help with anger, relationship challenges, and self-harm urges. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented method that helps people resolve ambivalence about change and strengthen their own motivation to move toward recovery and healthier choices.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Scott works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made. This collaborative approach helps clients feel engaged and supported in choosing meaningful steps forward.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for people juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Video calls and phone sessions allow real-time conversation that resembles in-person meetings, while live chat and text-based messaging provide flexible, immediate options for reflection and check-ins between sessions. These formats increase accessibility and make it easier to receive consistent support from licensed professionals regardless of schedule or location.