Licensed to practice in California and accepts 55 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Life Transitions and 4 more.
(she/her)
I’m Denise Valdez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with young adults and adults navigating life transitions, stress, trauma, and identity-related challenges. My approach combines evidence-based practices like CBT with trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. I aim to create a supportive space where clients feel empowered to explore their stories, build resilience, and move toward healing and growth.
In our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your background, current challenges, and goals so we can start building a plan that feels right for you. This session is also a chance for you to ask questions, share what you hope to get out of therapy, and see if my approach feels like a good fit. My priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable beginning your healing journey.
What stands out about my approach is the balance of evidence-based methods with compassion and cultural awareness. I integrate CBT, narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care to help clients gain practical skills while also exploring deeper patterns and stories that shape their lives. Clients often share that they feel truly seen, understood, and empowered in our work together. My strength lies in creating a safe, collaborative space where growth and healing feel possible.
I am best positioned to serve young adults and adults who are navigating life transitions, managing anxiety or depression, healing from trauma, or exploring their identity and cultural experiences. Many of my clients are motivated to better understand themselves, build coping skills, and create healthier patterns in their personal and professional lives. I work well with individuals who value a collaborative, supportive space where they can feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their goals.
I regularly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I introduce the CBT model to build awareness, then guide clients through restructuring negative thoughts and practicing coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, journaling, or role-play. This structured, skills-based approach allows clients to build resilience and apply these tools in their daily lives.
I use Narrative Therapy to help clients reframe their stories and see themselves as separate from their problems. In practice, I guide clients to explore how cultural, familial, and societal narratives have shaped their experiences, then work with them to identify strengths and re-author their stories in empowering ways. This approach helps clients recognize resilience, reclaim agency, and build healthier self-identities.
I apply a trauma-informed care approach by creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered and respected. I integrate an understanding of how trauma impacts the brain, body, and behavior, and I focus on building trust, offering choice, and emphasizing clients’ strengths. This lens guides my interventions so that clients feel both validated and supported in their healing process.
I practice culturally sensitive care by honoring each client’s cultural background, values, and lived experiences. I take time to understand how culture, language, and identity shape their worldview, and I integrate this awareness into assessment, goal setting, and interventions. This approach ensures clients feel respected, represented, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.