Affirming THERAPIST located IN oakland, CA — Serving all of california via telehealth.
LET’S WORK ON WHAT YOU WANT TO.
Heather “Dez” Valdez, LCSW #86545
Preferred Name: Dez
Pronouns: she/her/hers
You're here because you want to find a therapist who can relate.
You’re in the right place. I got you.
I’m Dez, and i help individuals just like you.
I help my clients form their unique stories, meet their authentic selves, build confidence, and make change.
I help to equip you with the tools you need to not just survive, but thrive. I start where you are at, and I don’t make assumptions about your identity, relationships, or experiences. I feel privileged to be able to hear your story that is unique to you.
I see myself as a collaborator, and I see you as an expert on your own life. I support in guiding you, helping you to make sense of your experiences and discover new ways of healing. My hope is to take some of the pressure off you to “already know” what you need in order to feel better. I can help you see your strengths, lean on them, identify what it is that is no longer serving you, and challenge you in ways that are in alignment with your values and your goals.
I have an eclectic approach, which is evidenced by my specialties. I have found what fits best for me as a therapist, what I am passionate about, and I roll with what’s real for me. I show up authentically and honor my own identities and will honor yours just as much. I take a social justice approach, and work with diverse communities. I am queer, Mexican American, and use she/her pronouns.
I look forward to meeting you.
Therapy with me is…
Uniquely tailored to you.
Respectful and mindful of your unique identities and cultures.
Based on consent and helps you feel safe.
A time for your story to be heard without judgement.
A place that not only brings clarity, but solutions.
Therapy with me is not…
One-size-fits-all; it’s responsive to your needs and goals.
Only focused on the past; we also focus on finding solutions in the present.
Surface level; we will spend time building safety and trust so you can feel comfortable being your full self.
Me just nodding “yes” to everything you say; I will support you in gaining new perspectives and making real shifts towards your goals.
I’m dedicated to helping people heal whatever they want to heal.
My training in LGBTQIA+ affirming approaches, financial therapy, and psychedelic therapy means I have the expertise and experience you deserve when you’re wanting to make a big change in your life. I have devoted my career to working with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, both of which I identify with myself, and becoming experienced in therapy modalities that I believe can touch on the deep stuff. My expertise is in queer and intersecting identities, queer relationships, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I see you. I hear you. I’m here for you. Let’s talk about how.
Learn more about my specialties and get the support that’s right for you.
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I’m trained in a variety of therapy methods, allowing me to tailor my approach to your unique goals and needs. These include:
Narrative Therapy
Financial Therapy or Financial Social Work
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic Integration Therapy
Harm Reduction
Trauma-Informed Care
Solution-Focused Therapy
Strengths-Based Assessment
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
Cultural Responsivity
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #86545
Master of Social Work (MSW) — California State University, Sacramento
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — California State University, Sacramento
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Narrative Therapy Certificate
Financial Social Work Certificate
Trauma of Money Certified
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (multiple trainings)
Integration Therapy (multiple trainings)
MDMA-Assisted Therapy Training Program Trainee
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certificate
Various continuing education training in the field of clinical social work
Ready to get started?