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RS Portrait of Robert Shackelford

Robert Shackelford

Practical support for stress and relationships

LMFT Florida

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English

About Robert

Robert Shackelford is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, and changes in life. He focuses on practical steps that make daily life easier.

Background and approach

He asks simple questions and listens closely to what matters most to each person. He uses a blend of approaches to match the situation.

Sessions often include clear tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to notice unhelpful thoughts and to try different behaviors. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and move toward meaningful action even when feelings are difficult.

When relationships are a concern, Robert draws on the Gottman Method to improve communication, reduce conflict cycles, and rebuild trust. He combines that with client-centered work that respects each person’s pace and perspective.

Mindfulness practices are used when helpful to reduce reactivity and increase calmness. Robert trained and practices in Florida and has about 10 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT.

He aims for sessions that feel practical and grounded, not abstract. People can expect direct suggestions, homework they can actually do, and steady encouragement.

He believes clients bring strength and knowledge about their lives. His role is to guide, teach skills, and help people try small changes that add up over time.

The first session focuses on pressing concerns and clear next steps.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps clients name their values and take small steps toward them. Online ACT sessions usually involve identifying meaningful goals, noticing thoughts and feelings, and practicing actions that move a person closer to what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying thought patterns and testing new behaviors. In remote sessions CBT often includes brief experiments and homework that can be practiced between video or message sessions to change unhelpful habits.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. Together they review what helps, adjust techniques over time, and set clear, practical steps for progress.

Online formats offer flexibility for different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and body language cues. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easy to check in briefly, share updates, or get short coaching between sessions. These options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep momentum between appointments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Robert focus on?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, anger, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, and depression. Additional focuses include codependency, communication problems, divorce and separation, infidelity, and life purpose.
What is his therapy style and approach?
He blends practical methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the Gottman Method for relationship work. Sessions are goal-oriented and collaborative, with simple exercises to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has about 10 years of professional experience working as a therapist, offering a mix of short-term strategies and longer-term support depending on client needs.
What credentials and region apply?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT, practicing in Florida. This indicates his clinical license and state of practice.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How do sessions and cost work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire to schedule.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed in

Florida

Languages

English