Dominic Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California who centers therapy on the person in front of him. He focuses on helping people manage anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship wounds. He has particular experience with issues that commonly affect LGBTQ+ clients, including gender dysphoria, sexual concerns, and experiences of betrayal or infidelity.
He draws on practical, evidence-informed methods and keeps conversations direct and down-to-earth. Sessions look at patterns that feed anxiety and low self-esteem, and they build simple skills for handling intense feelings. Dominic also helps people untangle attachment and abandonment worries that get in the way of close relationships.
People come to him for help with addictions, intimacy-related problems, and men’s issues. He works with clients facing trauma and abuse, and he uses approaches aimed at reducing the emotional charge around difficult memories. He also supports those exploring non-monogamous relationships, kink, and alternative sex culture without judgment.
With 17 years of clinical experience, Dominic aims to make therapy practical. He helps people set small, achievable goals. He emphasizes clear tools and steady progress rather than vague promises.
Dominic offers an affirming space where identity and culture are respected. He collaborates with clients to find what works for them, and he adjusts strategies as needs change.
How Dominic’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what matters to the client, helping people feel heard and respected while they sort out goals and next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) targets the emotional intensity around traumatic memories and can be used to reduce the upset those memories cause.
Choosing the right method is a shared process. Dominic will talk with each person about their symptoms, goals, and preferences and recommend ways of working that fit those needs. He adapts methods over time so therapy stays useful and relevant.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the currently supported session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can use these approaches effectively over remote sessions, and Dominic will help tailor the format and techniques to what works best for the client.
AbandonmentAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCommitment issuesControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsGender dysphoriaHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesNarcissismPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Dominic commonly address?
He works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem issues. He also supports concerns such as attachment and abandonment, sexual issues, and men's issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is compassionate and direct, using client-centered conversation alongside structured techniques when helpful. Sessions combine listening with practical skill building to manage emotions and change unhelpful patterns.
What is his professional background?
He has 17 years of clinical experience working with diverse populations and presenting concerns. That background includes work with people navigating sexuality, relationship conflict, and recovery from addiction and trauma.
Where is Dominic licensed to practice?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California and draws on that clinical experience in his work with clients there.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he accept international clients?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during booking.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the continue button on this profile and completing a brief matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
