- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship support
- Addiction recovery support
About Brett
Brett McGillivray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 18 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem struggles, and depression. He also helps people dealing with LGBTQ+ related issues, sexuality questions, and workplace problems.
Brett uses straightforward conversation to understand what matters most to each person. He adapts sessions to the practical concerns clients bring, such as improving communication, managing guilt and shame, or exploring life purpose. He describes sobriety as part of his lived experience and offers support around addiction and recovery when it is relevant.
Sessions focus on clear goals and steps people can take between meetings. Brett talks through coping strategies for anxiety and mood management. He also works on building confidence and handling relationship stress in everyday terms.
He draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide the work while keeping discussions direct and grounded. Brett pays attention to what is most useful in a client's life right now, and adjusts pace and focus as needed. He encourages practical changes alongside exploring underlying concerns.
People seeking help for motivation, self-love, or finding direction after a life change will find a clinician experienced with those topics. Readers should confirm current session options before booking to make sure the format fits their needs.
Approach and how online sessions work
Many therapists combine cognitive and behavioral methods with skills-based coaching. Cognitive behavioral approaches help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking to reduce anxiety and low mood. Behavioral strategies focus on changing actions and routines to improve mood, manage stress, and support recovery from addictive behavior.Another common technique is communication skills work, which teaches concrete ways to manage conflict, set boundaries, and express needs more clearly in relationships. These methods are practical and often include role play or homework to practice between sessions.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to understand goals, try methods that suit the situation, and adjust the plan over time. This helps match techniques to what actually helps in daily life.
The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins, and remove the need to travel. Therapists and licensed professionals will discuss which meeting style best supports the client's goals and routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, depression, and LGBTQ+ related questions, among other topics listed in his profile.
How does he approach someone who feels stuck?
He uses direct conversation and evidence-based techniques to set clear goals and practical steps. Sessions include coping strategies and communication work tailored to the person's needs.
How much experience does he have?
He has 18 years of professional work experience as a clinician.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
What formats are used for sessions?
Session formats are not specified in the profile; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does the subscription and getting started process work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.