About Brett
Brett McGillivray is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress and anxiety. He also supports those facing depression, low self-esteem, relationship strain, and LGBT concerns. His style is straightforward and compassionate.
Brett encourages small steps toward change and focuses on practical ways to feel better. Brett has 18 years of professional experience in California. He adapts conversations and plans to match each person's needs.
He talks about life goals, communication problems, guilt and shame, workplace issues, and questions around sexuality and self-love.
Background and approach
He has maintained sobriety for 36 years and offers support for people exploring addiction concerns. That experience informs his approach to motivation and recovery work. Brett centers respect and sensitivity in sessions and aims to reduce shame when it comes up.
Sessions are designed to be collaborative. He listens for what is getting in the way and then suggests steps you can try between meetings. Those steps are practical and intended to fit into daily life rather than feel like extra chores.
People who reach out can expect a calm, steady presence and clear direction when requested. Brett helps clients notice patterns, try different behaviors, and build confidence over time.
Remote approaches and what to expect
Many clients find benefit from evidence-based techniques that focus on thoughts and behavior. This approach helps people notice unhelpful thinking, test it against real-life evidence, and try different actions to reduce anxiety and improve mood. It is useful for worry, panic, low mood, and motivation struggles.Behavioral activation is another common focus and involves scheduling small, meaningful activities to counteract low mood and build momentum. This method helps when low energy or avoidance makes it harder to do things that matter to you.
Choosing the right approach happens together. The therapist will ask about your goals, what has helped or not helped before, and what feels manageable. Together you will pick methods and steps that fit your needs and adjust them as you go.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video lets you meet face-to-face when you want deeper discussion. Phone works well if less bandwidth or no camera is preferred. Live chat and messaging let you check in between sessions or have shorter, more frequent touchpoints. These options aim to make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.
Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does Brett help with?
What is his general approach in sessions?
How much experience does he bring to therapy?
What credentials and location are listed?
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Can people outside the United States work with him?
What session formats are available online?
How does payment and getting started work?
What this therapist works with
Most often
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
Also listed
- Experience
- 18 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English
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