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Dominic Valdes

Therapist profile

Dominic Valdes, LCSW

California

LCSW - Relationships and Anger

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Key details

  • CredentialsLCSW
  • LicenseLCSW, California / 71010
  • NPI1518242387
  • Experience17 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationCalifornia

About

  • CBT and DBT skills
  • Trauma focused work
  • LGBT affirmative care

About Dominic

Dominic Valdes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 17 years of experience. He works with adults who face stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma, addiction, intimacy issues, and anger. Dominic often supports people from the LGBTQ+ community and those dealing with attachment or abandonment concerns.

He keeps things direct in sessions and focuses on what is causing everyday problems. Dominic uses clear, evidence-based methods to help people notice patterns, change unhelpful thoughts, and practice different behaviors. That practical work is aimed at reducing reactive responses and rebuilding trust in relationships.

Dominic has worked with people managing infidelity, betrayal trauma, and sexual or substance-related issues. He also helps clients navigate jealousy, commitment fears, and problems tied to non-traditional relationship structures like polyamory and kink cultures. Sessions address how these situations affect mood, self-esteem, and intimacy.

Expect discussions about attachment history, coping skills for anger, and ways to manage anxiety without avoiding important relationships. He draws on tools from cognitive behavioral approaches and skills training to shift unhelpful cycles. EMDR may be part of the plan when trauma memories are a clear barrier to progress.

Dominic emphasizes collaboration. He works with each person to build realistic goals and short-term strategies that fit daily life. People who prefer straightforward, practical sessions often find this approach useful for handling frustration and rebuilding connection.

How sessions work

How his approaches translate to online work

Dominic commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in sessions. Client-Centered work focuses on listening closely to a person's concerns and building goals together. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing practical behavior changes that lower anger and anxiety.

He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are priorities. DBT skills offer concrete tools for managing strong feelings, reducing impulsive reactions, and improving interpersonal effectiveness.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Dominic collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That choice can shift over time as symptoms change or new challenges arise.

Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week and cut down commute time. It can also allow shorter check-ins or sessions that do not require being on camera, which helps people keep therapy practical and consistent with daily life.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

AddictionsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteem

Additional focus areas

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

Listed in

California

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dominic focus on?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strains, trauma and abuse, addictions, intimacy issues, anger, and self-esteem challenges.

What is his general therapeutic style?

He practices a practical, evidence-based approach that emphasizes noticing patterns, learning new skills, and setting clear goals.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 17 years of experience working with adults on relationship, trauma, and addiction-related concerns.

What credential does he hold and where does he work?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

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Dominic Valdes

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