Therapist profile
Dr. Andrea Shirley, LMFT
California
Dr. Andrea Shirley, LMFT - Anger and Relationship concerns
Continue with AndreaKey details
- CredentialsLMFT
- LicenseLMFT, California / 42752
- NPI1265567481
- Experience27 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationCalifornia
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Client-centered work
- Trauma-focused care
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 strains, and issues tied to identity and family dynamics. She also addresses trauma, grief, sleep problems, career transitions, and attention-related concerns.
Andrea frames therapy around a person’s own story and strengths. She treats clients as the expert on their life and helps them name what gets in the way. Sessions are straightforward and focused on practical change rather than jargon.
Her approach includes client-centered work that prioritizes the client's perspective and goals. Narrative techniques are used to separate people from the problems they face and to re-author limiting beliefs. Solution-focused methods aim for clear steps and measurable progress between sessions.
When trauma or past harm is present, Andrea draws on trauma-focused strategies to reduce strong reactions and build coping skills. She pays attention to how stress, sleep, and relationship patterns interact with anger and everyday functioning.
Clients can expect calm, direct conversations about what’s causing friction and how to respond differently. Andrea also addresses related matters such as compassion fatigue, caregiving stress, adoption and attachment questions, chronic illness, and life transitions. Practical planning and short-term goals are a regular part of her work.
If someone is considering therapy, Andrea asks them to reflect on what they want to change and to come prepared with recent examples of how anger or stress shows up. That gives the first session a clear place to start.
How sessions work
Approaches that guide online sessions
Client-centered therapy starts from the client's point of view. The therapist listens for the client’s priorities and helps them set goals that matter to them. This approach suits people who want a respectful, practical process for talking through anger and stress.Narrative therapy focuses on the stories people tell about themselves. It helps separate a person from the problems they face and offers ways to reframe limiting beliefs. This can be useful for issues like identity, shame, or recurring anger cycles.
Solution-focused work looks for small, achievable changes. Sessions often identify one or two actions to try between meetings so progress can be tracked. This method pairs well with work on communication and workplace-related stress.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose which methods to emphasize based on goals, preferences, and what shows up in early sessions. Clients help shape the plan and test what works in everyday life.
Practical benefits of online sessions depend on the formats offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier around work and caregiving, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it simpler to continue sessions when life changes or relocation happen, while letting therapy focus on real-world problems and step-by-step strategies.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
She works with adults who are snapping at loved ones, feeling simmering resentment, or struggling with anger that affects work or relationships.
How does she approach therapy for anger?
Her style is practical and person-centered, using client-centered, narrative, solution-focused, and trauma-focused methods to clarify patterns and try new responses.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 27 years of professional experience working with stress, trauma, relationship issues, and related concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a California LMFT and practices in California.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.