Abel Villaseñor
LCSW, 8 years of experience
About me
I’m a licensed clinical social worker in California with extensive experience supporting youth in schools, foster adolescents, and young adults. In recent years, I’ve focused on helping young adults navigate the emotional and psychological barriers that hinder educational and career goals. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and individualized, client-centered care. I aim to create a supportive, compassionate space where clients feel understood and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges. My clinical approach emphasizes strengthening self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and building the motivation needed to pursue personal goals. I use a nonjudgmental, down-to-earth style that helps clients feel safe enough to do honest work. Much of our focus includes identifying and unpacking past trauma and the unhelpful beliefs or patterns that contribute to emotional, psychological, and physical distress. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients move toward a healthier, more grounded, and more fulfilling life.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, I prioritize creating a comfortable and welcoming space where clients feel at ease asking questions or expressing concerns about the therapy process. After reviewing the initial intake forms, we’ll begin building a therapeutic relationship by exploring the client’s needs, challenges, and goals.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am a dedicated therapist with a deep passion for helping others improve their lives. My approachable and easy-going nature allows me to build strong therapeutic relationships, creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their challenges. I find great fulfillment in supporting my clients as they confront obstacles, grow through the therapeutic process, and work toward achieving their treatment goals.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults who are navigating transitions, such as moving from high school to college, and are struggling with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders that impact their ability to focus. Many of my clients face challenges with motivation and often lack the coping skills needed to manage these transitions, which can lead to impulsive behaviors and difficulties staying on track. Through therapy, I help clients develop healthier coping strategies, build emotional resilience, and regain focus to successfully navigate these important life changes.
Specialties
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Improving overall well-being is essential for productivity in today’s society. Our thoughts and emotions significantly influence our behavior and mindset. Through cognitive restructuring, I aim to assist the client in identifying unhelpful thought patterns and replacing negative or distorted beliefs with more realistic and positive perspectives.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I've worked with teenagers and young adults for many years, gaining valuable experience and helping them focus on their strengths and resources to find solutions. By working together, the client and therapist can develop an approach that not only identifies the challenges but also addresses them in a constructive and empowering way. This collaborative process allows clients to leverage their strengths to move forward and create positive change.
Strength-Based
As the expert on your own life, you play a crucial role in shaping treatment plans based on your unique experiences rather than following a rigid framework set by the therapist. Open communication and regular feedback between you and your therapist are crucial for adapting the approach to meet your needs. Together, you will develop a plan that leverages your strengths to make gradual, meaningful changes, helping you reach your desired goals.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I help clients transform distressing experiences into a foundation for resilience and personal growth using evidence-based techniques like cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and grounding exercises. My goal is not just symptom relief but true healing—helping my clients rebuild a sense of self-worth, confidence, and emotional balance.