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DV Portrait of Dominic Valdes

Dominic Valdes

Compassionate, evidence-based care for complex emotional issues

LCSW California

Experience
17 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Dominic

About Dominic

Dominic Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years of clinical practice in California. He draws on cognitive behavioral therapy alongside client-centered and trauma-informed techniques to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and a range of intimacy and relationship challenges.

Background and approach

He integrates practical skill-building with compassionate listening to support clients working through issues such as addiction, anger, self-esteem, and the emotional fallout from infidelity or betrayal. His work also addresses more specific concerns related to attachment and abandonment, gender dysphoria, HIV/AIDS, and alternative sexual cultures including BDSM and kink.

Dominic uses approaches like DBT and EMDR when appropriate to address trauma and emotional regulation, while incorporating relational methods informed by the Gottman Method for those navigating trust and commitment questions. The practice emphasizes an affirming, culturally responsive stance that centers individual values and personal growth.

Clients can expect a collaborative process that balances evidence-based interventions with an empathetic, nonjudgmental environment. Dominic aims to help people build resilience, clarify goals, and develop concrete strategies for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning.

Applying CBT and Trauma-Informed Care Online

Dominic commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and support practical coping strategies. He also draws from client-centered therapy, focusing on empathic listening and collaboration to honor each person's values and goals while helping them explore emotions and choices. When trauma is a central concern, he may integrate dialectical behavior therapy and EMDR-informed techniques to address emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and traumatic memories in a paced, supportive way.

Choosing the best approach is part of the therapeutic collaboration. The therapist works with clients to determine which methods fit their needs and preferences, adjusting techniques over time based on progress and goals. That shared decision-making helps ensure sessions feel relevant and manageable for each person.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it possible to access consistent therapeutic work from varied locations, accommodate different comfort levels with technology, and maintain momentum between sessions through messaging when appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dominic commonly address?
He works with people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, intimacy-related issues, anger, and self-esteem concerns, plus related issues such as attachment and abandonment.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
The approach is client-centered and collaborative, incorporating cognitive behavioral techniques and other evidence-based methods to combine skills training with empathic support.
How much professional experience does the therapist have?
Dominic brings 17 years of clinical experience working with a variety of emotional and relational concerns in California.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is licensed as an LCSW in California, holding license number CA LCSW 71010 and practicing within the state.
Does he offer services in languages other than English?
Sessions are provided in English and he is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available with this therapist?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.
How is pricing and payment handled?
Cost varies depending on location and therapist availability; sessions are arranged through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression

Also works with

AddictionsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteem

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCommitment issuesControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsGender dysphoriaHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesNarcissismPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

17+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English