"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
In my journey, I have learned that the roots of our disharmony must be identified – we must become aware of the underlying causes of our problematic issues before we can recover our authentic self.
In addition to doing individual therapy, I am an adjunct at a university where I teach Psychology and I am a court-recognized expert on sexual assault and child abuse. In this role, I do Forensic Psychology consultation work with attorneys who represent court-dependent minors. I look closely into the lives of people harmed, both physically and emotionally, within the context of the family. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, the maltreatment of children, and the elderly – vulnerable people who were harmed instead of protected by the family system. I am keenly aware of the negative impact, generationally, of this childhood exposure to family chaos and trauma.
These experiences led me to intensely examine underlying motivations and to the advanced study of a psychological theory—family systems theory. I have learned that while justice is an important component of healing, it is not the whole picture.
Authentic recovery must include awareness, responsibility, courage, and forgiveness. I help my clients discover for themselves these vital components of authentic healing.
On a personal level, I enjoy nature and outdoor activities – the beach, hiking, bird-watching, and camping.
I would like to include a note to our modern-day warriors – today’s public servants - those individuals who must daily share the pain of others- up close – our first responders. You may find yourself having significant impairment in your social or occupational areas of functioning, or you may have the need to process a stressful event you have experienced. If you begin experiencing increased emotional arousal (anger, irritability, fear, depression) in daily events, you may be experiencing acute stress response. There are critical components involved in coming to terms with acute or post-traumatic stress, and I would be honored to help you recognize and implement these steps. I have been there.
To anyone considering therapy, no matter the source of their emotional pain, authentic healing involves understanding the fundamental processes of life and using the principles inherent in that understanding. Once the roots of our disharmony are identified—awareness—we can employ the principles of responsibility, courage, and forgiveness to recover genuine emotional health.
My clients have taught me that they prefer practical, goal-driven therapy. Because of this, I like to use solution-focused and Cognitive Behavioral theories in my work. Many of my past clients have reported that they prefer these theories. They prefer improving negative symptoms during treatment via solution-focused therapy and setting clear, concise, and realistic goal-setting concepts found in Cognitive Behavioral treatment.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I wish you the emotional health needed to live the life you dream of. In considering me as a therapist for yourself, I can't overstate my gratitude to you for allowing me to serve you in this way.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Abandonment, Adoption and Foster Care, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Trichotillomania, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 51616
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Andrea McLellan. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
In the time that Andrea provided me counselling, I was able to find out many things about myself and past traumas. It’s been well over 2 years and it’s improved my lifestyle just being able to understand the events around with the help of Andrea. I truly recommend sessions with her and I am thankful.
Written on Jan 12, 2021 after therapy with Andrea for 3 years and 1 month
Andrea is amazing. I've been in and out of therapy for 15 years and she is by far the best therapist I've ever had. She doesn't judge or make you feel like you can't tell her things and she's super compassionate. She's a really, really cool person and she actually cares about what you have to say.
Written on Oct 19, 2020 after therapy with Andrea for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
I have seen much growth in myself after 2.5 years of therapy with Andrea. She has helped me thru a very contested custody situation. Andrea is a very caring and a genuine individual.
Written on May 12, 2020 after therapy with Andrea for 2 years and 5 months
Andrea is a thoughtful listener and is always courteous and respectful. She strives to help me see myself accurately.
Written on Apr 04, 2019 after therapy with Andrea for 1 year and 4 months
I have already recommended BetterHelp to a number of my friends. Andrea has helped my family and me through one of the most difficult and at the same time joyful times in our lives. Her kind words, compassion and insight have helped me through so much this past year.
Written on Jan 31, 2019 after therapy with Andrea for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
In just a few days I feel like Andrea has guided me through a lot of personal hangups, and I'm finally gaining clarity in my life path. She is inviting me to recognize freedom and autonomy I never realized I already have.
Written on Dec 26, 2017 after therapy with Andrea for 2 weeks