Gia Valdez, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Gia!

I believe therapy is an important journey of where you have been and where you intend on going, which I am honored to assist with. I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual assault and trauma and take a goal-oriented approach using actionable steps and celebrating your progress with encouragement and empathy.

My focus

I typically work with young adults and adults. I am most comfortable treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and codependency.

My approach

I use holistic and evidence-based approaches, often implementing ACT, DBT, and CBT. We'll work together in an honest and straightforward way to make progress in your life.

My communication style

The environment I create is a judgment-free, safe space where we can both be open, direct, and honest to assist you in achieving your goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always had the goal of becoming a therapist following my own experiences with abuse and extensive therapy throughout my teen and adult years. My biggest passion is the connections I am able to build with other people and any assistance I am able to provide.

My goals for you

I approach goal setting by assisting you in creating goals to better enhance your desired treatment outcomes and provide realistic expectations.

Our first session

During a first session, I will assess what your desired outcome is, as well as any experiences you may have had with past therapy that worked or did not work for you, and obtain a brief biopsychosocial assessment.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx
Spiritual, Unitarian Universalism

Expertise

Specialties

Anxiety

Child Abuse or Neglect

Codependency

Trauma and PTSD

Autism or Asperger's Syndrome

+ 10 more

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

+ 4 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Body Positivity

Gay

HIV/AIDS

Immune-Disorders

Intersex

LGBTQIA+

Lesbian

Military/Veterans

Non-Binary

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Police/Fire/First Responders

Queer

Racial Justice

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Sex Worker

Sex-Positive/Kink

Single Mother

Transgender

Vegan

+ 20 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 59 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, San Bernardino.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Gia Valdez