In your journey, perhaps you have discovered that the roots of your disharmony are not identified. Would you would like to gain insight toward become aware of the underlying causes of your problematic issues – towards recovering your authentic self? I would be honored to help you discover for yourself the vital components to authentic healing.
I would like to include here a note to our modern-day warriors – today’s public servants. I am speaking to those individuals who must daily share, up close, the pain of others – our first responders - nurses, paramedics, law enforcement, military, and all those who serve the public. You may find yourself having significant impairment in your social or occupational areas of functioning, or you may have the need to process a stressful event you have experienced. If you begin experiencing increased emotional arousal (anger, irritability, fear, depression) in daily events, you may be experiencing acute stress response. There are critical components involved in coming to terms with acute or post-traumatic stress, and I would be honored to help you recognize and implement these steps. I have been there.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I like to start with brief introductions and then dive into the specific challenges you’re facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I wish for you the emotional health needed to live the life you dream of. In considering me as a therapist for yourself, I cannot overstate my gratitude to you in selecting me to share your journey.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Modern-day warriors – today’s public servants. Those individuals who must daily share, up close, the pain of others – our first responders - nurses, paramedics, law enforcement, military, and all those who serve the public.
About Andrea McLellan
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
One thing many of my clients have taught me is that they prefer practical, goal-driven therapy. Because of this, I like to use Solution-Focused and brief therapy in my work. Many of my past clients have reported that they prefer these theories. They choose to emphasize during treatment the improvement of negative symptoms via Solution-Focused therapy and the setting of clear, concise, and realistic goal-setting concepts found in Solution-Focused therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Many clients prefer evidence-based, goal-driven therapeutic work. Because of this, I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions. Many of my past clients have reported that they prefer these types of interventions. With me, clients can choose to emphasize during treatment the improvement of negative symptoms via CBT (Cognitive Behavioral treatment), and the setting of clear, concise, and realistic goals, in harmony with the concepts found in CBT.
Daialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy for people who experience emotions very intensely. It’s a common therapy for people suffering from many types of mental health conditions. The four basic skills I work on with clients interested in DBT work are mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.
Forensic Psychology
As someone who has worked extensively with both adolescents and adults experiencing mood disorders due to early childhood trauma, I often use the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) test to help clients understand the root of their disharmony. Research spanning decades has established a connection between ACEs and a greater likelihood of developing chronic diseases and behavioral challenges, such as obesity, autoimmune disease, depression, and substance abuse. Recent studies have also revealed a correlation between ACEs and an increased risk of prescription opioid misuse. Multiple ACEs put individuals at a higher risk of negative outcomes, including poor academic performance, unemployment, and the development of high-risk health behaviors like smoking and drug use. About 50 percent of the increased risk of negative consequences associated with ACEs can be attributed to these high-risk behaviors.
While everyone experiences stress, chronic stress sustained over time can have damaging effects on both the body and brain, especially in children, as early childhood is a crucial period for development. ACEs can lead to toxic stress and prolonged or excessive activation of the stress response system. This toxic stress can interfere with the development of healthy neural, immune, and hormonal systems, and even alter our DNA expression. Over time, multiple ACEs, particularly without sufficient support, can impact the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems and have long-lasting effects on attention, behavior, decision-making, and response to stress throughout a person's life.
