Heather Valdez LCSW

I am a Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of California (#86545). My practice currently includes individual and relationship therapy for adults. I believe that the mind and body are complementary parts of the self, and that our wellness is impacted by our social, cultural, and physical environments. I work to help identify and deconstruct systems of oppression and the impact these systems have on our mental health and wellness. I integrate this into the therapeutic process which I believe can be critical for healing. I also incorporate trauma-informed, harm reduction, insight-oriented, relational and mindfulness approaches into my practice, as well as the integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness. I have expertise in queer identities and relationships, and have worked extensively with LGBTQIA+ populations and communities of color, both of which I identify with.

Some areas of focus within my practice include:

• LGBTQIA+ populations and communities of color

• Sexuality and gender identity

• Non-monogamous, open, polyamorous, alternative relationships

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Trauma processing - abuse, domestic violence, historical/ intergenerational trauma, sexual trauma, community violence, etc.

• Substance misuse (harm reduction approach)

• Grief and loss

• Integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness