- CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Abel
Abel Fernandez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 30 years of professional experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, parenting concerns, low self-esteem, depression, and motivation challenges. He also supports those coping with relationship strains, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, career shifts, and ADHD. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Fernandez treats clients as the experts on their own lives and helps them use their strengths to manage difficult moments. He focuses on practical steps that reduce reactivity and help people respond differently when anger or frustration rises. He uses straightforward conversation and skill practice rather than abstract theory.
His approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns that feed stress and anger. He incorporates Mindfulness Therapy techniques to increase awareness of bodily and emotional signals. Motivational Interviewing is used to explore what really matters and to support small, achievable changes.
Over three decades, Fernandez has worked across common life challenges such as caregiving stress, blended family issues, abandonment wounds, and social anxiety. He helps people manage communication problems, codependency, guilt, and isolation while attending to cultural and multicultural concerns.
People who contact him begin by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session. Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. He does not accept international clients.
How his approaches are used in online sessions
Fernandez uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and change thought patterns that increase stress and anger. CBT sessions often involve identifying automatic thoughts and testing them with practical exercises to reduce reactivity.He also draws on Mindfulness Therapy to increase awareness of bodily sensations and emotions as they arise. Mindfulness practice can help people notice the first signs of irritation so they can choose a different response.
Motivational Interviewing is used when someone wants to make changes but feels stuck. This approach focuses on clarifying personal goals and building small steps that match what matters to the person.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. Fernandez will collaborate with each person to decide which approach or combination fits their needs, goals, and preferences. He encourages trying short skill-based exercises and reviewing what helps most.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or avoid travel time. Please confirm the available session formats when you schedule.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, parenting matters, relationship and family issues, grief, trauma and related concerns.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses practical conversation and skill practice, focusing on clear steps people can use when feeling angry or stressed.
How much experience does he have?
He has 30 years of professional work experience as a clinician in California.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can people from other countries work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Costs vary with location and 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.