About Brett
Brett McGillivray helps people who are feeling stuck by offering calm, straightforward support. He focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, LGBT concerns, and relationship struggles. Conversations are simple and direct so parents can read quickly and decide if he might be a fit.
Brett has 18 years of professional experience and holds a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, LCSW, in California. He emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion during sessions. Brett adapts conversation and plans to match each person's situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
How Brett works
People often come for help with communication problems, guilt and shame, life purpose, or workplace stress. Brett also supports those exploring sexuality and self-love, and offers guidance around mood disorders and motivation. He has been sober 36 years and can discuss addiction concerns when they arise.
Sessions are practical and focused on what feels useful right now. Brett works to empower people to take manageable steps toward better days. He aims to make therapy a place to talk through choices and practice new ways of handling hard moments.
If someone prefers clear, steady guidance from a seasoned clinician, Brett provides that in plain language. He helps people sort priorities, set realistic goals, and notice progress along the way.
What Brett works with
The areas below are the ones Brett selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
Also listed
Training and background
| Register | LCSW |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 18 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | California |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
Evidence-based approaches and online care
Brief, focused approaches can help people manage overwhelming feelings and improve daily functioning. One common method is problem-focused work that identifies specific situations causing stress and then practices small, concrete changes to how someone responds. This helps with anxiety, workplace strain, and day-to-day coping. Another approach centers on building self-compassion and addressing guilt and shame through guided conversation and exercises. That work supports self-esteem, sexuality questions, and mood concerns.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist collaborates with each person to figure out what feels most useful based on their goals and preferences. Plans are adjusted over time, so techniques shift if something isn’t helping or priorities change.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video allows face-to-face interaction for deeper conversations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can work well when video isn’t possible. Live chat and text-based messaging are helpful for shorter check-ins, quick coping tools, or when someone prefers typed communication. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.
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Common questions
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A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
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