- Stress management
- LGBT issues
- Guilt and shame
About Brett
Brett McGillivray is a California-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 18 years of professional experience. He works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, self-esteem concerns, and depression. Brett also supports people navigating LGBT issues, workplace pressures, and feelings of guilt and shame.
Brett keeps language direct and practical in sessions. He listens for what is causing distress and then talks through concrete steps that feel manageable. Conversations can include looking at communication patterns, practical strategies for coping with anxiety, and ways to rebuild confidence after setbacks.
He brings long-term personal recovery experience into work around addiction and related concerns. That perspective can inform conversations about motivation, relapse prevention, and making daily changes that support well-being. Brett does not promise outcomes, but he aims to help people clarify goals and try methods that fit their life.
In sessions he focuses on real-world problems like workplace stress, sexual identity questions, and strained relationships. He often helps people practice new ways of speaking up, set achievable goals, and notice small changes that add up over time. Sessions are intended to be practical and steady rather than theoretical.
Brett adapts plans to each person's situation and preferences. If you are carrying guilt, shame, or worry about choices or identity, he helps you sort through what matters most and what next steps look like. To begin, follow the online booking steps to match and schedule your first appointment.
How Brett Uses Evidence-Based Methods in Online Sessions
Brett works with practical, evidence-informed methods that help with anxiety, mood, and relationship problems. One common approach focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against daily experiences to reduce anxiety and low mood. This involves tracking thoughts, trying small behavioral experiments, and noticing what changes.Another helpful way is skills-based work for communication and emotion management. That involves learning clearer ways to state needs, practicing conversations, and using simple techniques to manage emotional intensity in the moment. These skills are useful for workplace stress, relationship conflict, and self-worth concerns.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Brett collaborates with each person to decide which methods match their goals, personality, and daily life. He adjusts plans based on what feels practical and what produces small forward steps.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with Brett during the matching process about the session length and rhythm that will work best for your schedule.
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, depression, relationship and self-esteem concerns plus LGBT related issues and workplace stress.
How does he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He talks through what the guilt or shame is linked to and uses practical steps to reduce its daily impact, focusing on communication and small behavioral changes.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 18 years of professional experience working with adults on mood, motivation, and relationship difficulties.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a California LCSW and practices from California.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.