- CBT methods
- EMDR for trauma
- Speaks Spanish
About Sergio
Sergio Ibanez is a California-based LCSW with seven years of clinical experience. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Sergio speaks English and Spanish and offers direct, practical support to help people manage difficult feelings.
He often uses client-centered methods to create a conversational space where clients set the pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is part of his approach for spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is used when emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills are useful.
Sergio also draws on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, when trauma memories are a main concern. For relationship issues he incorporates elements of the Gottman Method to address communication and patterns between partners. He describes these as tools to try, not fixed rules.
Sessions typically involve straightforward talk, skill practice, and short assignments people can try between meetings. He adapts how he works to what each person asks for and what seems to help in early sessions. The focus is on clear steps you can take, one at a time.
Sergio has experience supporting clients through issues like abandonment, attachment concerns, isolation and loneliness, caregiving stress, body image, and midlife questions. He also notes work related to immigration, HIV/AIDS, guilt and shame, and men's issues. If Spanish is preferred, he can meet in that language.
How therapeutic approaches work in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead. Online sessions using this approach let the person set priorities and pace while the therapist offers reflections and guidance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches simple ways to notice unhelpful thoughts and test different actions; it often includes short practices and worksheets that can be reviewed during a session. EMDR addresses troubling trauma memories by combining focused attention with guided processing to reduce distress linked to those memories.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Sergio will discuss the options and try methods that match the client's goals and comfort level. If a method does not fit, the plan can be adjusted so sessions remain useful and manageable.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Many people find online sessions fit into their day more easily because they remove travel time and allow for shorter check-ins during a break. Online meetings also make it possible to work in English or Spanish without the need to travel to an office. Ask about available session lengths and whether video or phone options are offered when you schedule.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and depression, plus related areas like attachment, isolation, and caregiver stress.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a client-centered style that lets the client guide the pace, alongside CBT and DBT tools for practical skills and EMDR when trauma memories are involved.
How much experience does he have?
He holds seven years of professional experience as a clinician working with the listed concerns.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LCSW licensed in California and provides services from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.