Dr. Estella Lerlo , LMFT

Dr. Estella Lerlo, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California with 14 years of professional experience. She combines practical strategies with a relational focus to support people managing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related concerns.

Dr. Lerlo emphasizes creating an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed and explored. She listens for underlying patterns in attachment and communication that can affect connection and well-being, then works collaboratively to develop clearer understanding and healthier responses.

Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and Dr. Lerlo recognizes the courage involved in taking that first step. Her approach honors each person s readiness and pace while offering tools and perspectives aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships, and reducing emotional distress.

Applying Attachment and Emotion-Focused Approaches Online

Dr. Lerlo integrates Attachment-Based Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients understand how early relationship patterns shape current connections. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how past bonds influence trust, intimacy, and emotional responses, which can be useful for addressing abandonment, codependency, and commitment concerns. EFT centers on identifying and reshaping emotional responses within relationships to foster greater closeness and repair after conflict or infidelity.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help people recognize and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that fuel anxiety and stress. Together these approaches offer both insight into relationship dynamics and concrete tools for symptom relief and improved communication. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - Dr. Lerlo works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences.

Online therapy with Dr. Lerlo is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without major disruptions to daily life, enabling ongoing work on relationships, trauma recovery, and stress management.