Hi, my name is Kendra Valdez (she/her),

As a licensed clinical social worker, I have enjoyed a life enriching career as a trauma informed specialist for more than 30 years.  I focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, recovery from abuse/addiction, attachment wounds, and struggles related to gender/sexuality and faith/spirituality. I work with families, couples, adolescents, LGBTQIA, and young adults. 

My attachment-focused psycho-dynamic orientation is developed from years of personal experience and training across a range of related specialties.  I have former experience as a children’s social worker, supervisor and trainer in the public child welfare arena, where I developed a deeper awareness of attachment wounds occurring from foster care and adoption practices.

I have worked in the non-profit sector as a supervisor, coordinator, and director in various mental health programs (which include Wraparound, Systems of Care, TBS, and Family Preservation). My life has been enriched by service in diverse communities, school based mental health, as well as outreach and program development for unhoused youth in Los Angeles County.

I have learned to apply skills from training in family systems and mediation to help families heal from relational abuse.

Using a person centered approach, motivational interviewing, and personal experience with the 12-step recovery model, I have witnessed individuals and families overcome the effects of addictions. I have found that various modalities such as DNMS and EMDR protocols, have proven useful for treating attachment wounds and those effected by complex PTSD, including dissociation.

I embrace my cultural roots as a descendent of the Turtle Mountain band of Chippewa Indians, as well as my Norwegian, French, German, and Polish heritage. I am conversant in Spanish. My life and practice has been enriched by serving multi-ethnic communities, predominately African American, Latino, and American Indian clients. I am aware of how culture and spirituality deepen the meaning of our lives, build strength and resilience, and can increase the efficacy of treatment as we honor these dimensions of ourselves.

Certified in:

• EMDR - in process

• Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS)

• Gottman Methods Couples Therapy - Level 2

• Trainer in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

• Family Law and Permanency Planning Mediator

• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)

• MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) Adoptions Trainer

Prior training and certifications:

• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Interpersonal Therapy for the Treatment of Depression (IPT)

• The Nurtured Heart Approach

$225 per 50 minute individual session

$275 families and couples

To schedule a complimentary initial call contact Kendra at kendravaldez.lcsw@gmail.com
or 626-822-9544.