Dominic Valdes, LCSW
LCSW for LGBTQ+ and relationship healing
- Trauma and addiction
- Couples and intimacy
- Anxiety and self esteem
About Dominic Valdes
Dominic Valdes is a California licensed therapist who brings 17 years of experience to work with individuals facing relationship, identity, and emotional challenges. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - which indicates formal training and state licensure to provide clinical therapy in California. He works especially with people in the LGBTQ+ community, offering informed support for issues such as infidelity, betrayal trauma, sex addiction, depression, and anxiety.
His practice also addresses a wide range of relationship and personal difficulties, including men's issues, attachment and abandonment concerns, isolation and social anxiety, and the complexities of exploring sexuality and non-traditional relationship structures. He has experience helping young adults navigate identity, intimacy, and substance-related struggles, and he approaches addiction and process-oriented challenges with practical, evidence-informed strategies.
Dominic emphasizes a culturally responsive, compassionate style that honors each person s background and lived experience. He uses evidence-based methods to help clients build resilience, increase self-understanding, and develop concrete tools for change. His work is guided by respect, empathy, and a commitment to meeting people where they are on their healing journey.
His practice also addresses a wide range of relationship and personal difficulties, including men's issues, attachment and abandonment concerns, isolation and social anxiety, and the complexities of exploring sexuality and non-traditional relationship structures. He has experience helping young adults navigate identity, intimacy, and substance-related struggles, and he approaches addiction and process-oriented challenges with practical, evidence-informed strategies.
Dominic emphasizes a culturally responsive, compassionate style that honors each person s background and lived experience. He uses evidence-based methods to help clients build resilience, increase self-understanding, and develop concrete tools for change. His work is guided by respect, empathy, and a commitment to meeting people where they are on their healing journey.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dominic Valdes have?
Dominic Valdes has 17 years of experience providing clinical therapy.
Is Dominic Valdes a licensed therapist?
Yes, he holds the credential LCSW. License details: CA LCSW 71010.
In which languages does Dominic Valdes provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Dominic Valdes located?
He is located in California.
How can I work with Dominic Valdes as my therapist?
You can work with Dominic Valdes through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dominic Valdes work with international clients?
Dominic Valdes does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dominic Valdes cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online therapy options
Dominic draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental environment where the client s perspective and goals guide the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration and can be especially helpful for people working through identity, attachment, or self-esteem concerns.
He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is practical and skill-oriented, often useful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that contribute to relationship conflict.
For trauma-related concerns, Dominic incorporates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - EMDR - when appropriate. EMDR supports the processing of distressing memories and can reduce the intensity of trauma symptoms, making it a common option for those dealing with betrayal trauma or other traumatic experiences.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dominic works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, try techniques, and adjust methods over time so treatment matches goals and preferences.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility by allowing work to continue through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity when schedules change, and support consistent progress with licensed professionals and therapists.