- Stress and anxiety
- Client-centered work
- Narrative techniques
About Andrea
Dr. Andrea Shirley is a California licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 27 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, anger, relationship and family concerns, and issues related to LGBT matters. She also supports people coping with grief, trauma, sleep difficulties, career strain, and attention-related challenges.
She approaches therapy from the view that the client is the expert on their own life. That means sessions focus on the person's story, strengths, and practical next steps rather than on labels. Conversations aim to clarify what matters most and find workable changes that fit day-to-day life.
Dr. Shirley draws on client-centered methods to make space for the client's perspective. She uses narrative techniques to help people see patterns in their story and consider alternatives. Solution-focused ideas are applied to set short-term goals and build momentum toward change.
In sessions she typically emphasizes clear communication and small, achievable strategies. For someone dealing with anger this can mean spotting triggers, practicing pauses, and trying concrete behavioral shifts between meetings. She also addresses related issues like intimacy, boundaries, and caregiving stress.
Her practice includes long-term concerns and shorter-term coaching-style work. People who want direct, practical conversation about managing strong feelings or repairing relationships may find this approach useful. To begin, visitors follow the practice's intake steps to match with a clinician and schedule an initial session.
Approaches used and how online sessions work
Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening to the client's perspective and building on existing strengths; it helps with emotional regulation, relationship problems, and deciding what matters most. Narrative therapy focuses on the stories people tell about themselves and looks for alternative ways to view difficult events or roles, which can reduce shame and shift patterns. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on concrete, short-term goals and small changes that can make daily life easier and reduce reactive responses.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and will adjust the plan based on what works in practice.
Confirm the current session formats before booking, as specific options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow quicker check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Some formats also make a shorter phone or video check-in possible when schedules are tight or energy is low. Ask about which session types are offered so you can choose what best fits daily life and commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger or related issues does she address?
She works with adults on anger tied to relationships, work stress, resentment, and frustration that builds over time. Anger is listed alongside other concerns like grief, trauma, and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses client-centered listening and narrative approaches that focus on the client's story. Solution-focused techniques are used to set short-term goals and practical steps.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 27 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of issues including relationship strain, trauma, and caregiving stress.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is an LMFT licensed in California and practices in that state.
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; sessions are provided only within the therapist's permitted region.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact rates are provided during intake.
What do I need to do to get started?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin the intake process.