Sheryl Derby

Sheryl Derby, LCSW, brings more than two decades of social work experience to her practice in Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and a Master of Social Work with a Child Welfare emphasis from Arizona State University. Sheryl frames therapy around practical goals and clear steps to get there.

She has worked across many settings, including with veterans, families involved in child welfare, juveniles in the court system, and homeless families. That background informs her work on depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting, and relationship struggles. She also addresses grief, sleep problems, anger, bipolar mood concerns, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

Sheryl uses a mix of approaches tailored to each person. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to focus on each person’s priorities. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques to teach skills for coping and managing difficult emotions. Mindfulness Therapy and Motivational Interviewing are also part of her toolbox.

Her style is strengths-based and solution focused. Sheryl helps people identify what’s working and build simple coping tools that fit day-to-day life. Sessions focus on practical skills, clear goals, and steady progress.

Away from work she practices yoga and spends time with her basset hounds. She also volunteers at a retirement program for geriatric and hospice animals. Sheryl aims to support, guide, and empower people toward a calmer, more manageable life.

How therapeutic approaches shape online care

Mindfulness Therapy focuses on simple awareness skills like paying attention to breathing and body sensations. It can help with anxiety, stress, sleep issues, and learning to pause before reacting. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's concerns and choices; the therapist listens closely and follows what matters most to the individual. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches tools to reduce symptoms like panic, depression, and worry.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, concerns, and preferences, and together they will decide which methods to use. That collaborative process helps shape a plan that fits daily life and what the person wants to change.

Confirm the available session formats before booking, as current options are listed during sign-up. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Video or audio appointments may help when face-to-face meetings are difficult, while flexible scheduling can let sessions occur around school, work, or caregiving. Ask about session length and format during the matching process to find what fits best.