Johnny Valera

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my practice emphasizes a commitment to enhancing accessibility to mental health care rooted in client empowerment and advocacy. As a graduate of California State University Long Beach's Social Work program, I strive to incorporate the profession's core values of "Social Justice" and "Importance of Human Relationships" into practice, to offer visibility, shared intention, and tenderness, to members of systemically marginalized groups including the LGBTQIAA+ community, amongst others. In an effort to craft a therapeutic environment that promotes authenticity, I incorporate a range of evidence-based treatment modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for managing emotional regulation and interpersonal challenges, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors, and Systems Theory to understand and address the complex dynamics within clients' personal and social environments. By integrating these modalities, my aim is to tailor interventions to meet each client's unique needs, offering an opportunity to build a foundation for lasting healing.

Central to my clinical practice is the belief that each client is their own storyteller. It is my hope then, to empower clients to not only share but rather, to reclaim their narratives. Integrating a holistic approach to therapy, I aim to offer a humanistic approach to treatment with an understanding of the profound impact one's past and present environment can contribute to overall mental health. I believe that by illuminating the relationship between self and environment, clients may be positioned to find meaningful balance in physical, emotional, and social well-being, and foster long-term healing and resilience. As a member of the Queer and Latinx community, I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients of all bodies and backgrounds can explore their experiences and navigate their journeys toward recovery, free from judgement, and with compassion and respect. My style is grounded in compassion, humor, and empowerment, creating a low-pressure environment where clients feel comfortable progressing at their own pace.

Clients can expect therapy with me to be a truly collaborative process. I value feedback and encourage open dialogue to ensure that we are always working toward what works best for them. My role is not to have all the answers, but rather to guide and support clients on their own journey of self-discovery and growth. Through our work together, clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how their past experiences, relationships, and dynamics shape their present and future selves.

Ultimately, I hope clients leave therapy with a greater sense of self-acceptance and love. My goal is to create an environment that reduces shame, helps clients recognize the abundance of strengths they possess, and fosters authentic self-expression. I consider it a privilege to be part of my clients' journeys, and I look forward to helping them cultivate meaningful change in their lives.