- Client-centered
- Practical goals
- Trauma-informed
About Andrea
Dr. Andrea Shirley is a California-based licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 27 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress and anxiety, navigate relationship and family concerns, and address issues related to sexual orientation and identity. She aims to make the first step feel manageable and supportive for anyone seeking change.
Her approach begins by listening closely to each person’s story and strengths. She uses client-centered methods to let clients lead the pace and focus of sessions. Narrative therapy is used to look at how life stories shape present choices and feelings.
Dr. Shirley also draws on solution-focused techniques to set small, practical goals and build momentum between sessions. For people who have experienced trauma, she incorporates trauma-focused work to address painful events and their effects on daily life. The emphasis is on usable strategies rather than jargon.
Sessions tend to be straightforward and collaborative. Conversations often include identifying patterns, trying out new behaviors, and checking what helps in day-to-day life. She supports people coping with grief, sleep problems, anger, career stress, ADHD, caregiving strain, and related challenges.
Overall, the work aims to strengthen coping tools, clarify priorities, and reduce barriers to feeling more engaged and balanced. Prospective clients are encouraged to consider whether this practical, story-centered style fits their needs before scheduling.
How these approaches shape online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead. In practice this means sessions begin where the person is, with the therapist asking questions and reflecting back to clarify what matters most. It works well for general stress, relationship worries, and self-esteem concerns.Narrative therapy looks at the stories people tell about their lives and relationships. The therapist helps identify unhelpful storylines and try out alternative ways of describing problems and strengths. This can help with identity concerns, relationship patterns, and making sense of change.
Solution-focused techniques concentrate on small, practical steps that move a person toward clearer goals. Sessions often end with one or two actions to try between meetings, which is useful for people juggling busy schedules or wanting quick, measurable progress.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will help clients decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is collaborative and may shift as progress is made.
Confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not described here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into day-to-day life by reducing travel and allowing sessions during breaks or from quieter spots. It also makes it possible to check in more regularly and focus on practical strategies that translate into everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, LGBT matters, self-esteem, trauma and grief, sleep and anger problems, career strain, ADHD, and related concerns listed in her specialties.
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and straightforward, using client-centered listening, narrative work to reframe life stories, and solution-focused steps to set achievable goals.
What is her professional background?
She has 27 years of professional experience supporting people with a wide range of life challenges and transitions.
What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT - practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.