About Brett
Brett McGillivray helps people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low self-worth, or depression. He focuses on creating a respectful, compassionate space where someone can talk through what matters most. Brett is a licensed clinical social worker with 18 years of experience in California, and he aims to tailor each conversation to the person in front of him.
He regularly supports people dealing with workplace strain, communication problems, and questions about sexuality and LGBT identity.
Background and approach
Brett also helps people address guilt and shame, find greater self-love, and clarify life purpose. He brings long-term recovery experience and can work with clients who want support around addictive behaviors. Sessions are shaped around a client's needs and goals.
Brett uses evidence-based techniques and practical conversation to build skills and shift patterns that get in the way of daily life. The work is collaborative - he listens, offers perspectives, and helps set manageable steps between sessions. Clients can expect straightforward talk about mood, motivation, and relationships.
Brett emphasizes small, achievable changes and clearer communication at work and home. He aims to make progress feel realistic and steady. Brett holds the California LCSW license number CA LCSW 23132 and practices in California.
He conducts sessions in English and offers a range of online formats to fit different schedules and needs.
Evidence-informed approaches for online care
Brett uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions in clear, practical ways. One common approach focuses on teaching behavioral skills to manage anxiety and low mood, helping clients break unhelpful habits and build routines that improve daily functioning. Another approach emphasizes improving communication and interpersonal skills to reduce conflict and strengthen important relationships, useful for workplace and personal interactions.Choosing the right approach happens together. Brett will discuss what is most important to a client, try methods that match their goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. The process is collaborative and paced to fit each person’s needs.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face dialogue for in-depth work, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or live chat is useful for brief check-ins or when a shorter touchpoint helps between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep progress moving forward.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
Also works with
- Experience
- 18 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English