LMFTTherapists

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AM Portrait of Andrea McLellan

Andrea McLellan, LMFT

Healing through practical, goal-driven therapy

About Andrea

Andrea McLellan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. She brings 14 years of clinical experience to sessions and focuses on practical, goal-driven work.

Background and approach

Andrea emphasizes uncovering the roots of distress so people can move toward genuine emotional health. She combines solution-focused work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients set clear, realistic goals.

Sessions often involve identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying specific skills to reduce symptoms. Andrea also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic ideas when they fit a person's needs.

Andrea has worked in forensic contexts and in academia, where she teaches psychology. That background informs careful assessment and attention to how family history and past harms affect present life.

She has assisted people affected by trauma, abuse, and loss, and pays attention to the ways early experiences shape behavior and relationships. In therapy she focuses on concrete steps - setting achievable goals, practicing coping strategies, and tracking progress between sessions.

She tends to favor straightforward approaches that produce measurable changes in mood, sleep, or daily functioning. Andrea also supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem.

Outside work she enjoys nature, hiking, bird-watching, and time at the beach. Those interests inform a belief in small, steady practices that support well-being over time.

How Andrea Uses Practical Therapies Online

Andrea often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thoughts and behaviors that worsen mood, and then practice new ways of responding. CBT is helpful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many day-to-day struggles.

She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when emotion regulation and intense reactions are present. DBT offers concrete tools for managing strong feelings, reducing reactivity, and improving communication. Motivational Interviewing is another tool she uses to help people find their own reasons for change and build workable plans.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Andrea will discuss goals, try a method, and adjust based on what actually helps. She aims to match methods to each person's needs and preferences rather than applying a single model.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for in-depth conversation and skill coaching. Phone sessions can fit into a busy day or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework support, and shorter updates between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel schedules while keeping a steady course toward goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Andrea address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, and bipolar disorder.
What is Andrea's therapy style like?
Her style is practical and goal-driven, using solution-focused methods and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to set clear goals and practice skills between sessions.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
Andrea has 14 years of clinical experience and has worked in forensic consultation and academic teaching, which informs her attention to family history and trauma.
What are Andrea's credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT, and practices in California.
Can I work with her if I'm outside the U.S.?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are offered?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging depending on what fits the client's needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling based on the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
14 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English