Brandi Ellis

Calm, practical therapy for life transitions

LMFT California

Experience: 12 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Brandi

Brandi Ellis is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and a range of other concerns.

Background and approach

She brings 12 years of clinical experience in California and approaches each person as the expert on their own life, building on strengths to address obstacles and foster meaningful change. Her work blends practical, skills-based methods with relational and acceptance-focused perspectives.

Brandi draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and she incorporates elements from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-informed work to support emotional regulation and values-driven change. She also uses client-centered and dialectical skills to tailor care to each person’s needs.

Brandi’s scope includes a wide range of concerns such as intimacy-related issues, parenting and caregiver stress, ADHD, compassion fatigue, eating and sleeping problems, and areas related to identity and relationships. She welcomes clients who are ready to explore coping strategies, clarify goals, and practice new ways of responding to difficult emotions and life transitions.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Brandi uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning by teaching practical strategies and skills. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support accepting difficult emotions while clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward meaningful goals. Attachment-based ideas inform her work on relationship patterns, helping clients explore how early bonds shape current interactions and emotional responses.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Brandi works with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and life context, and then tailors techniques from different models to fit each person’s needs rather than relying on a single method. This collaborative exploration helps ensure that the plan of care aligns with what feels most useful and doable for the client.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home or work, and practice new skills in everyday settings with flexible scheduling.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?

Brandi works with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, trauma and grief, parenting challenges, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach combines practical skills-based techniques with acceptance and relational perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and building on each person’s strengths.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 12 years of professional experience providing mental health care in California.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She is an LMFT licensed in California with license number CA LMFT 53223 and practices with clients located in California.

Can people who speak other languages work with her?

She provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process for getting started?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling a time according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English