Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW

Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is also an award-winning and best-selling author. Her latest book, “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues", details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each.

Education

  • University of Pennsylvania, MSW
  • University of Florida, BA, Health/Sociology

Professional Achievements

  • Published "Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues" in 2024
  • Published “Professor Kelli’s Guide to Finding a Husband” in 2010
  • Published “Thriving with ADHD” in 2018, winner of the Indie Book Award and Firebird Book Award
  • Co-hosted advice show on LA Talk Radio, currently hosts livestream show on Balance by Nature
  • Columnist for Psychology Today

Certifications & Organizations

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Spokesperson for Brillia, ADHD Awareness
  • Psychotherapist Consultant for Cognitive Leap

Philosophy

Kelli strives to provide both immediate, short-term solutions and long-term, in-depth care for a wide variety of clients. Her strengths include helping clients develop better self-esteem, facilitating open and constructive communication among family members, and working with romantic partners to address underlying causes of dissatisfaction in a relationship.

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Forum Comments (29)

Am I a people pleaser?
I'm really glad you reached out. The good news is that you're aware of your pattern. Awareness = action. If you can recognize that you are a "people pleaser," you can make the changes to be more independent and self-assured. Part of you recognizes you deserve more (which is why you wrote the question), and we need to tap into that part!

Start by seeing that you want to be liked for you, not what you can do for others. Remember, friendships are reciprocal and not based on one person always saying yes. I encourage you, the next time you want to "people please," to think about why you are saying yes. Is it to be accepted and liked, or for a more balanced reason, like returning a favor or being a good friend? If the answer is the latter, you're on the right path. If it's the former, it's time to remember "no" is a complete sentence. You're not being mean by saying no; you're finally honoring yourself.

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing general information for educational purposes only. I am not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided.
How can you help when your girlfriend is on her period?
Recognize that, during this time, there are so many hormones in a woman's body that can make her more irritable, more on edge, and more emotional, so don’t take it personally. Next, really ask her what she needs. Say something like, “Hey, I know you might be emotional during this time, is there anything that I can do?” And then help her in that situation. It would also be smart to know your partner’s cycle and have it in your own calendar, so you can be a little bit more prepared with what you can do on your end to help her.
I love my mom, I just want to know a way to make her respect my boundaries.
It's wonderful that you are advocating for your needs. Sometimes parents need reminders too, on personal space and boundaries. I would say something like, "Hey Mom, as I'm getting older, I need more personal space and boundaries. This looks like [put in your idea of what you're looking for (i.e., less hugging in front of others, etc]. I know you want to be close to me, but my wanting space is not a reflection of me not caring about you. I just need some more space."

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing general information for educational purposes only. I am not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided.
I've been bullied and it hurts what should I do?
Being bullied is really difficult, shameful, and can be traumatic. First, please acknowledge that it's ok that you may feel hurt, angry, confused, sad, and/or embarrassed. All those feelings are normal and understandable. Second, understand that bullying says more about the other person than you. There is a saying, "hurt people hurt people." In other words, the person/people who bully are typically very sad/lonely/hurt people themselves, and sadly, they are expressing it the wrong way. Just because someone says something about us doesn't make it true. Your job will be to recognize your worth and not make it dependent on anyone else. Finally, even though bullying is painful, it can also make us stronger, more resilient, and empathetic to others. Remember, no matter what, you are appreciated and valued ♥️

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing general information for educational purposes only. I am not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided.
What are some different ways to say I love you?
"You mean the world to me."
"You're my favorite."
"You're so special to me."
"143" (143 is a special code used by Mr. Rogers to represent "I love you", based on the number of letters in each word: 1 letter for "I," 4 for "love," and 3 for "you").
"I feel so strongly for you."
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Co-authored Articles (288)

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