- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship focus
- English and Spanish
About Susana
Susana Valdez is a California-based licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship or family tensions. She writes and talks plainly with clients to make things feel manageable. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer communication so everyday life stops feeling so heavy.
With ten years of experience, Susana builds a steady, nonjudgmental space for people to talk through painful memories and current pressures. She emphasizes understanding how past attachments and patterns shape present choices. Work-related strain, relationship conflict, and transitions at home are common topics in her sessions.
Her approach draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to teach coping skills, reduce overwhelming emotions, and improve connection with others. She helps people notice patterns like avoidance, control issues, or isolation and then practices small changes together. Therapy often includes role practice for hard conversations and strategies to manage anxiety in the moment.
Sessions can also address complex issues such as substance use, domestic violence impacts, immigration concerns, and blended family tensions. Susana offers care in English and Spanish and supports clients through guilt, shame, and healing from abuse.
People seeking work and wellbeing support may find her practical focus helpful for balancing job stress with personal needs. To begin, she asks clients about current concerns, goals, and daily routines so therapy fits real life.
How evidence-based approaches guide online care
Susana uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on teaching skills and changing unhelpful patterns. One common approach she uses emphasizes identifying and shifting patterns of thought and behavior that fuel anxiety and depression; it involves learning concrete skills to notice triggers and respond differently. Another approach focuses on attachment and relationship patterns, helping people understand how early bonds influence current conflicts and teaching practical communication and boundary skills.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, history, and comfort level. That means trying techniques, checking how they feel, and adjusting the plan based on what helps most.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session formats when you book since current formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow brief check-ins during transitions like work breaks. It can also let people practice new communication skills in everyday contexts and bring examples from real life into session for immediate feedback.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family tensions, and related issues like isolation or communication problems.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is warm and nonjudgmental with a practical focus. Sessions emphasize skills, clearer communication, and small behavioral steps you can try between meetings.
How long has she been practicing?
She has ten years of clinical experience working with people on mood, attachment, and relationship concerns.
What credentials and region apply?
She is an LCSW licensed in California and offers services based in that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can I work with her from another country?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.