- Client-centered approach
- Goal-focused work
- Trauma-informed care
About Andrea
Dr. Andrea Shirley is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and LGBT concerns. She works with individuals coping with grief, trauma, self-esteem struggles, sleep problems, anger, and career stress. Her approach is practical and straightforward, aimed at helping people take the next step toward feeling more stable and satisfied.
With 27 years of experience practicing in California, Dr. Shirley centers sessions on each person's story and strengths. She uses client-centered methods to follow what matters most to the person in front of her. Narrative work helps clients notice patterns and rewrite hard parts of their story in ways that feel more manageable.
She also draws on solution-focused techniques to set clear, doable goals and build small changes that add up. Trauma-focused methods are used when past events continue to affect daily life and relationships. Treatment plans are adapted to the concerns people bring, such as compassion fatigue, ADHD, adoption and foster care issues, or caregiver stress.
Dr. Shirley describes therapy as a collaborative process where the client is the expert on their life. She offers support for common life transitions like divorce, blended family adjustments, aging concerns, chronic illness, and job changes. Her style is respectful and goal-oriented, helping people try practical steps between sessions.
If you want to explore how therapy might fit your situation, Dr. Shirley asks that you start by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling according to therapist availability.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following your concerns so the therapist supports goals you set. This approach helps when you want someone to reflect your experience and help you make choices that fit your life.Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about themselves and their relationships. It can be useful for unpacking patterns like low self-esteem, relationship roles, or long-standing family narratives and trying new ways of understanding those patterns.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Dr. Shirley will discuss what feels most useful and adapt methods to your needs and preferences in a collaborative way. Together you will test small changes and notice what helps over time.
Confirm the current session options before booking so you know how appointments are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Some people find remote sessions help maintain continuity during life transitions or while managing caregiving, chronic illness, or work commitments.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Dr. Shirley address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, sleep problems, anger, career pressures, ADHD, and related topics.
What is her general therapeutic approach?
She uses client-centered work to follow the client's priorities, narrative techniques to reframe life stories, solution-focused steps to set concrete goals, and trauma-focused methods when past events continue to interfere.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Dr. Shirley has 27 years of professional work experience providing therapy in a variety of settings.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.