- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Trauma informed EMDR
About Dominic
Dominic Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in California with 17 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addiction concerns, and anger. He also supports people in the LGBT community navigating issues like gender dysphoria, HIV/AIDS, and intimacy-related concerns.
Dominic uses straightforward, evidence-informed methods to help people manage strong emotions. He draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach skills for handling frustration, reducing reactivity, and changing unhelpful thought patterns. He also offers Client-Centered work that focuses on what matters most to the individual.
When trauma and abuse are part of the picture, EMDR is one of the approaches he may use to address distressing memories. For relationship difficulties, he incorporates elements of the Gottman Method to improve communication and rebuild trust after infidelity or betrayal. He takes a practical approach to issues like addiction, jealousy, and commitment concerns.
Dominic pays attention to sexual diversity and alternative relationship styles, including kink and non-monogamy. He helps people talk through shame, manage jealousy, and set boundaries that fit their values. He also supports clients working through abandonment and attachment issues.
Sessions focus on concrete skills, realistic behavior changes, and clear next steps. People who come for help with anger get techniques for cooling down, understanding triggers, and repairing relationships after outbursts. Dominic encourages steady progress rather than quick fixes.
How Dominic uses evidence-based approaches online
Dominic frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thought patterns and test new behaviors. CBT helps with anxiety, anger, and changing reactions that cause problems at work or in relationships.He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach concrete emotion regulation and interpersonal skills. DBT focuses on managing intense feelings, reducing impulsive reactions, and improving communication under stress.
EMDR may be used when past trauma contributes to current distress. EMDR aims to reduce the hold of painful memories so people can respond more calmly in daily life.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. Dominic discusses goals, past treatment, and current struggles, then recommends methods that fit the client's needs and preferences. He adjusts strategies over time based on what is helpful.
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in during a break, avoiding travel time, or choosing sessions that don't require being on camera. Licensed professionals adapt pacing and tools so practical skills can be learned and practiced between meetings.
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 kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions, anger, and related issues such as attachment, infidelity, and sexual health concerns.
What is his therapeutic style?
He combines Client-Centered work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach skills and explore personal values in a direct, practical way.
How much experience does he have?
Dominic has 17 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California.
Where is he licensed and based?
He practices in California and holds the credential CA LCSW.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with clients outside the United States?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.