Shirley Colee, LMHC

Shirley Colee is a Florida-licensed mental health counselor with 20 years of professional experience supporting adults through relationship struggles, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and the process of grieving and loss. She approaches each person with sensitivity and compassion, creating a respectful atmosphere where concerns can be explored without judgment.

Shirley tailors conversations and treatment plans to match the unique needs of every client, adapting techniques and pacing to fit individual goals and life circumstances. As an LMHC - a Licensed Mental Health Counselor - she combines clinical training with practical, person-focused care to help clients build coping skills, strengthen connections, and work through painful experiences.

Recognizing that reaching out for support takes courage, Shirley affirms the step of getting started and partners with clients through the early stages of change. Her practice emphasizes clear communication, collaborative planning, and steady support to help people move toward greater balance and resilience in their relationships and daily lives.

Approaches Shirley Uses and How They Work Online

Shirley combines client-centered therapy with evidence-informed strategies to meet each person's needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening with empathy and respect, helping clients explore their values and choices while the therapist offers support rather than directives. This approach is useful for building self-awareness, improving communication, and navigating relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. In short, it teaches practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress so clients can respond differently to difficult situations. Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT - emphasizes skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship challenges.

Finding the right blend of approaches is a collaborative process. Shirley works with clients to assess goals, preferences, and responses to different techniques, adjusting the therapeutic plan as progress unfolds so the work fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

Online therapy with Shirley is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, travel constraints, or differing communication styles. These options make it easier to receive consistent support from licensed professionals without disrupting daily routines, while allowing therapists to tailor session format to each client’s needs.