- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Trauma work
About Dominic
Dominic Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 17 years of experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, LGBT concerns, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, depression, and addiction-related issues, and he works with people who struggle with intimacy, anger, and self-esteem.
He often helps people dealing with social anxiety, isolation, and attachment questions. Sessions include practical steps for managing worry, ways to approach difficult conversations, and work on relationship patterns that cause repeated pain. Dominic also addresses issues tied to sexual identity, kink and alternative sex culture, and non-traditional relationship styles.
His method blends client-centered listening with structured techniques. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thinking and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. He also incorporates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing when trauma memories are part of the picture.
Dominic brings experience addressing addiction, infidelity, jealousy, and commitment or control concerns. He supports people working through HIV/AIDS related stress, gender dysphoria questions, and challenges that appear around polyamory or non-monogamy. Practical problem solving and clear behavioral steps are common parts of sessions.
Appointments aim to produce small, manageable changes over time. People who choose Dominic often want direct strategies they can practice between sessions, clearer ways to talk with partners, and tools to reduce social avoidance and isolation.
How Dominic uses structured approaches online
Dominic often pairs client-centered listening with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy when working remotely. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting thinking patterns and behaviors that keep anxiety and avoidance going. It is practical for worries about social situations, performance fears, and persistent negative self-talk. DBT teaches specific skills for regulating emotion, managing intense reactions, and tolerating distress, which can help when shame, anger, or relationship conflict are present.Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Dominic will discuss what feels most useful based on a person's goals, symptoms, and life context. He encourages trialing techniques in session and adjusting the plan as needed so the work matches what the person wants to change.
Session formats are not specified in this profile, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a schedule, allow shorter check-in meetings when needed, and remove travel time. For some people, working remotely helps them practice social skills in real-world settings between sessions. The therapist will review practical arrangements and suggest how to use tools and exercises between meetings to support progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, LGBT issues, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, depression, and addictions, plus related topics like intimacy, anger, and self-esteem.
What is his therapeutic style?
He combines client-centered listening with structured methods such as CBT and DBT, and draws on EMDR for trauma-related processing.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 17 years of clinical experience working with the concerns listed above.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.