Dominic Valdes, LCSW
Direct, practical therapy for relationship and anger concerns
Book with DominicWorks with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
How Dominic works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Years in practice
- 17
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Dominic
Dominic Valdes is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on practical, person-centered help for people facing relationship and emotional stress. He draws on straightforward methods to address anger, anxiety, depression, and issues tied to intimacy and identity. He works in a way that starts with listening.
Dominic helps people name what feels hardest, then chooses tools that fit each person’s situation. Sessions cover things like attachment and abandonment concerns, jealousy, commitment worries, and the effects of trauma or betrayal.
Background and approach
Over 17 years he has supported people dealing with addiction, control issues, and relationship struggles. He also has experience with questions around gender dysphoria, HIV/AIDS, and identity inside kink or non-monogamous communities. Dominic aims to help people find clearer choices and healthier patterns in daily life.
Clinically, he blends client-centered talk with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. He also uses EMDR where trauma work is needed and applies parts of the Gottman Method for relationship-focused work. These tools are used to reduce symptoms and build skills for handling triggers.
Dominic practices in California and offers sessions in English. He approaches each person with respect and curiosity, helping them set realistic goals and practice changes between sessions. His style is direct, supportive, and focused on real-world steps people can take now.
What Dominic works with
Everything Dominic lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Dominic's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- Addictions
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Commitment issues
- Control issues
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family problems
- Gender dysphoria
- HIV / AIDS
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Men's issues
- Narcissism
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Sex addiction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Young adult issues
Approaches Dominic lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Gottman Method
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How therapeutic methods translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s perspective. Online sessions use that same approach so the therapist and client set goals together and adapt work to real-life needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, involves identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and practicing new skills between sessions to reduce anxiety, anger, and depressive symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing strong emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can be practiced in short exercises during video or text check-ins.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will help figure out which methods suit a person's goals, symptoms, and preferences. That decision is collaborative and can shift over time as progress is made or needs change.
Online work is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make therapy fit into busy lives. Video calls are useful for deeper conversations and skill practice, phone sessions are an option when bandwidth is limited, live chat can be a quicker check-in, and messaging supports brief updates or ongoing coaching between meetings. These options give flexibility to schedule sessions around work, travel, or daily routines while keeping treatment focused and practical.
Questions people ask about Dominic
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship difficulties, addiction, intimacy issues, and identity-related concerns including LGBT matters.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a client-centered style paired with practical techniques. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, and talking through patterns that cause repeated problems.
How much experience does he have?
He has 17 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of emotional and relationship challenges.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California and practices there.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a session based on the therapist's availability.