Andrea McLellan, LMFT - Therapist in California

Solution-focused work
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Forensic consultation experience

About Andrea

Andrea McLellan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 14 years of experience. She lists stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and related areas among the issues she addresses. Andrea also notes work with intimacy-related concerns, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, career issues, and bipolar concerns.

Andrea combines practical, goal-focused methods with attention to deeper patterns in a person’s life. She often uses solution-focused techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to set clear goals and reduce symptoms. She also draws on psychodynamic and narrative ideas when looking at how past experiences shape current reactions.

Her background includes teaching psychology at a university level and providing forensic consultation related to sexual assault and child abuse matters. These roles have led her to study family systems and the ways family dynamics affect long-term wellbeing. She describes work with people harmed within family contexts, including domestic violence and elder maltreatment.

Andrea says authentic recovery involves awareness, responsibility, courage, and forgiveness. In sessions she helps people identify the roots of their problems, make concrete changes, and practice new ways of relating. She notes that many clients prefer practical, goal-driven work that yields measurable improvement in symptoms.

Outside of clinical work she enjoys nature activities such as beach outings, hiking, bird-watching, and camping. She also acknowledges the needs of public servants and first responders who face stressful or traumatic events in their work.

How Andrea’s approaches translate to online work

Andrea frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused strategies. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them through small behavior changes, which can help with anxiety, phobias, and mood concerns. Solution-focused methods concentrate on clear goal setting and small steps that produce measurable change in daily life.

She may also draw on psychodynamic or narrative ideas to look at patterns that come from earlier relationships and how those patterns play out now. Figuring out which combination fits a person is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review goals, try different techniques, and adjust the plan based on what helps most.

Session format details are not listed in the biography, so confirm the available online options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Some formats are also useful when audio-only conversations are preferred or when a brief focused session is needed during a work break.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

Addictions LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgiveness Guilt and shame Impulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Listed in

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she work with?

She lists stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and related issues as areas she addresses.

What approaches does she use in therapy?

She commonly uses solution-focused methods and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and may incorporate psychodynamic or narrative ideas when helpful.

How much experience does she have?

She has 14 years of clinical experience and also teaches psychology at a university.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA LMFT) practicing in California.

Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?

Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.

How does cost work for sessions?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started if I want to schedule with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.