Dr. Estella Lerlo, LMFT
Therapist in California
Dr.
- License 147318 · California Expires June 2026
- NPI 1760774988 · national registry
- Experience and languages 14+ years in practice English
Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.
About Estella
Dr. Estella Lerlo is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist with 14 years of experience. She focuses on common struggles like stress, anxiety, trauma, intimacy concerns, self-esteem, and relationship frustrations.
She speaks English and supports people who want practical help and steady guidance. Estella keeps sessions straightforward and calm. She creates space for people to say what they feel and think without judgment.
The first visit often focuses on what matters most to the client and on small steps they can try between sessions.
Background and approach
Her work blends strategies that help change unhelpful patterns and ways to build closer connections. She draws on methods that teach new communication habits and ways to understand attachment and emotional responses. Sessions often include clear exercises, guided conversations, and simple practices to try at home.
People come for many reasons such as coping after a loss, repair after a breach of trust, or managing anxiety that interferes with daily life. She also helps with complex stress after disaster or for first responders, and with challenges like codependency, commitment doubts, or blended family tensions. Estella aims to make therapy feel useful from the start.
She works with each person to set realistic goals, track progress, and adjust the plan as needed. This makes it easier to see small gains and keep moving forward.
Credentials
- LMFT (California)
- License 147318 · expires June 2026
- NPI
- 1760774988 · national provider identifier
Both are public records. A state board register will confirm a license and its standing, and the national registry will confirm an NPI. This directory copies what the therapist lists and checks neither.
Focus areas and approaches
Everything Estella lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Self esteem
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Blended family issues
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Self-love
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Estella names
- Gottman Method
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
These are the approaches Estella names on their own professional profile. Naming an approach is not evidence of training or certification in it, and this directory checks no training records. Ask directly if it matters to you.
Online support
Online approaches for connection and change
Dr. Lerlo often combines Gottman Method ideas with Attachment-Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The Gottman Method focuses on practical communication skills and small habits that improve how people relate. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds shape current emotional responses and helps people notice and change patterns that leave them feeling disconnected. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and teaches clear steps to reduce anxiety and shift behaviors.Finding the right mixture of approaches is part of the work. She treats the choice as collaborative and will help clients pick techniques that match their goals, comfort level, and life situation. Together they try methods, see what helps, and adjust the plan as needed so therapy feels relevant and doable.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit busy schedules. Video lets people work face-to-face when discussion and visual cues matter. Phone sessions can be better when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work for quick updates, ongoing support, or when typing feels easier than talking. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent despite work, family, or travel demands.
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Frequently asked
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, relationship troubles, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, and self-esteem issues. Additional focuses include abandonment, attachment issues, infidelity, and post-traumatic stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is direct and practical with an emphasis on building connection and clearer communication. Sessions combine listening with exercises people can use between meetings.
What is her background and experience?
She has 14 years of professional experience working with adults on relationship and trauma-related challenges. Her work history includes helping first responders and people coping with disaster-related stress.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist, listed as CA LMFT, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported and does she take international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options let people choose what fits their schedule and communication preferences.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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