Andrea McLellan , LMFT

Andrea McLellan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who combines clinical training in family systems and trauma with practical, goal-oriented interventions. With 14 years of experience, she has worked extensively with individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child maltreatment, elder abuse, and the longer-term effects of chaotic family dynamics. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an adjunct psychology instructor at a university and is a court-recognized expert on sexual assault and child abuse, providing forensic psychology consultation for attorneys representing court-dependent minors and assessing family contexts in legal settings.

Andrea emphasizes identifying the roots of disharmony so that awareness, responsibility, courage, and forgiveness can support authentic recovery. She favors solution-focused strategies alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - a practical approach that links thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to set clear, achievable goals and reduce symptoms. Her practice addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, and bipolar-related concerns.

Her work includes supporting first responders and public servants who face repeated exposure to others' trauma, helping them recognize acute stress responses and learn steps toward stabilization. Clients have reported a preference for practical, goal-driven therapy, and Andrea integrates realistic treatment objectives and measurable steps into her clinical approach. Outside of her professional life she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, camping, and time at the beach.

Online Therapeutic Approaches and Flexible Care

Andrea McLellan commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT links thoughts, emotions, and actions and supports clear, measurable goal-setting for concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, and eating difficulties.

She also incorporates Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative, client-centered method that helps people resolve ambivalence and strengthen their own reasons for change. This approach is useful for work on addictions, lifestyle changes, and commitment to treatment goals.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Andrea collaborates with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and she adapts techniques so therapy feels practical, skill-based, and aligned with the client’s priorities.

Online therapy formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and access. These options help people maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy lives, and choose the communication style that works best for them while licensed professionals tailor interventions to support steady progress.