- Client-centered
- Narrative tools
- Solution-focused
About Andrea
Dr. Andrea Shirley meets people where they are and helps them find clearer ways forward. She draws on 27 years of clinical experience to help with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, identity concerns, and issues that come up around grief and trauma. Her approach is straightforward and respectful, focused on what a person wants to change and what already works for them.
She believes each person is the expert on their own story. Sessions usually start by listening to what matters most and identifying small, practical steps. She uses client-centered methods to create space for a person to name goals and build on strengths. Narrative techniques can help people reframe painful stories and see choices differently.
Solution-focused ideas guide brief, action-oriented planning when people want concrete changes. Trauma-focused practices are brought in when past events are getting in the way of daily life and relationships. Across approaches, she works at a calm, steady pace and adapts methods to the needs of the person in front of her.
Dr. Shirley is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California - LMFT. Her work covers a wide range of concerns including intimacy-related issues, sleep problems, anger, caregiving stress, and adoption and foster care matters. She also supports people navigating career shifts, chronic illness, and the emotional effects of loss.
To begin, she invites people to reflect on what they want to try differently and to take one small step toward that goal. Her style emphasizes clear goals, practical moves, and ongoing collaboration between therapist and client.
Approaches that translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding a person's perspective and building on their strengths. It involves active listening and helping people clarify what they want to change, which can be useful for stress, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.Narrative therapy invites people to tell and reshape the stories that define them. By examining how a problem is described, clients can find alternative meanings and open new options for action, which often helps with identity issues and past hurts.
Solution-focused therapy zeroes in on small, practical steps and on what will look different when things improve. This approach suits people who want concrete goals and short-term planning to change routines or communication patterns.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which approaches fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That process usually begins by listening closely to what is most troubling and what a successful outcome would look like.
For practical matters, confirm current session options before booking. Ask about available formats and scheduling that fit your routine. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, caregiving, or medical appointments, and it can reduce travel time and interruptions so people can focus on steady progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, grief, trauma and abuse, and identity concerns related to LGBT issues. Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and life transitions.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. Sessions center on listening, naming goals, and using client-centered, narrative, or solution-focused techniques to find workable steps forward.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
She has 27 years of professional experience supporting people through a variety of life challenges and relationship issues. Her long practice informs a calm, steady approach to care.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT - practicing in California.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to start therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.