Brett McGillivray, LCSW

Therapist in California

Compassionate guidance for stronger self esteem

Continue with Brett

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18 years of experience listed

LCSW professional credentials

English languages

Stress and anxiety focus
LGBTQ+ affirming support
Recovery-informed perspective

About Brett

Brett McGillivray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. He helps people who are feeling stuck by addressing stress, anxiety, self esteem, depression, and issues that relate to LGBT identity and relationships. Brett aims to create a respectful, compassionate space for honest conversation and practical change.

He starts by listening to what matters most to each person. Sessions are tailored to the individual's needs and goals rather than following a fixed script. Brett emphasizes clear, direct dialogue and works with clients to build confidence and motivation one step at a time.

Brett draws on 18 years of professional experience in social work. He has supported people through mood difficulties, workplace strain, and communication problems. He also offers help with guilt, shame, life purpose, and sexual identity questions when these come up.

Having maintained sobriety for 36 years, he can offer empathetic support for people exploring addiction or recovery concerns. He describes his role as a guide and collaborator, not someone who hands down answers. Clients can expect encouragement toward practical changes that fit their daily life.

Every plan is developed together, with attention to what is realistic and sustainable. Brett helps people set achievable steps, notice progress, and adjust the approach as needed. He practices in California and conducts sessions in English.

How Brett’s Approaches Translate to Online Work

Many of Brett's methods center on clear conversation and practical steps that can work well in remote sessions. One common approach focuses on building self-esteem through goal setting and small behavioral changes that people can practice between meetings. This helps with low confidence, motivation, and daily habits.

Another approach emphasizes managing anxiety and mood by identifying triggers and testing new coping strategies. Those techniques are taught in simple, repeatable ways so clients can try them during their regular routines and report back on what helped.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Brett works with each person to choose methods that match their goals, learning style, and day-to-day constraints. He adjusts plans based on what is helpful and what feels doable for the client.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, offer shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It also lets clients practice skills in their usual environments and bring real-life examples into sessions for direct problem solving.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

Communication problems Guilt and shame Life purposeMood disordersSelf-loveSexualityWorkplace issues

Experience

18+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Brett commonly help with?

He works with people facing stress, anxiety, low self esteem, depression, and relationship concerns. He also supports issues around sexuality, workplace challenges, and questions of life purpose.

What is his general therapeutic style?

Brett uses a direct, conversational approach that is tailored to each person. He focuses on practical steps, building confidence, and improving communication.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He brings 18 years of professional experience in social work and counseling settings. That experience covers mood disorders, workplace issues, and LGBT-related concerns.

What credentials and region apply to his practice?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California. His practice and services are provided in that state.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service before booking.

How does billing and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided through the platform during sign-up.

How do I begin working with him?

Click the continue button on this profile, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability. The platform will guide you through those steps.