Connected Paths

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Counseling & Consulting


John M. Valenzuela, MSW, LCSW

Psychotherapist Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #70066)

Life can be overwhelming, therapy shouldn’t.

Hello, my name is John. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Behavioral Therapist with over thirteen years experience providing psychotherapy and real-world guidance.

My principal approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and Strengths Based Therapy. My practice is steeped in social justice and a belief that all people are worthy of respect and understanding. I believe a therapy session should feel like a good conversation- engaging, casual, and honest. Therapy is a collaboration.

While not every session can have a neat resolution, I try to ensure that clients leave each meeting a practical skill or insight to take with them- something that they can ‘plug and play’ the next day.

Having said that, some conversations may leave you feeling lighter and relieved, while some may encourage continued thought and reflection. Regardless, therapy is an investment in yourself, and like anything we do to better ourselves, sometimes you have to push through the tough days… but you don’t have to do it alone.

Typical reasons people come to see me…

  • Depression

  • Anxiety / Life Stress

  • Relationship / Intimacy Issues

  • Work Stress / Career Changes

  • Life Changes / Transitions

  • Grief & Loss

  • Goal Setting

  • LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counseling

  • Men’s Issues

Services Offered

  • Counseling

    Individual psychotherapy provided virtually via the telemedicine platforms Rula and Alma. In person therapy offered in two locations, West Los Angeles and Pasadena.

  • Consulting

    -COMING SOON - Supervision of BBS Hours for ACSWs, Program Development, Employee Training, Risk Reduction Consultations, Sensitivity Trainings, Safety Assessments. and more…

John M. Valenzuela, MSW, LCSW

Psychotherapist / Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA LCSW#70066)

Want to know more?

I was born and raised in Southern California. I am bi-racial, and bilingual in English and Spanish. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and currently based in Los Angeles, California. I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I offer in-person sessions out of my two offices located in West Los Angeles and Pasadena. I take several forms of health insurance, as well as offer super bills for out of network and cash-pay clients. I offer offer a limited amount of sliding scale slots for clients that qualify. 

I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. Additional areas of specialized practice include healthy relationship building, men's issues, and LGBTQ+ affirmative counseling. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and well-versed in several additional modalities.

MY APPROACH

My approach to therapy is person-centered and truly depends on the unique needs of each individual client. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients in exploring the connection between beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and actions. I work to offer clients both practical, and solution-focused interventions, while at the same time allowing for the space and place to let clients experience their feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.

MY FOCUS

I have found my approach to be a good fit with people looking for both a deeper understanding of themselves, as well as realistic and pragmatic ways of addressing areas of concern. Many of my clients are searching for ways to free themselves from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, so they can move toward achieving their full potential. My goal is to empower clients with the skills needed to overcome whatever is holding them back, and the self-love needed to be gentle with themselves during the healing and growing process.

MY COMMUNICATION STYLE

My communication style is casual, friendly, and honest. I want clients to feel comfortable talking to me. Therapy should feel like a conversation and not like an interview. I am straightforward with clients, however always supportive, caring, and judgment-free in my approach.

MY JOURNEY TO MENTAL HEALTH

I decided to become a therapist both to help others, as well as to pay forward the help I have received in my own life. I truly believe in the worth and value of each person. We all need some help and support from time to time, and we all deserve to have a place where we can be seen and heard. I feel honored to have been included in the healing journeys of so many past clients. As I have been lifted up by others, I feel it a privilege and responsibility to help lift up my clients as well.

MY GOALS FOR YOU

Therapy is about moving toward the goals of a client, and not those of the therapist. Some clients have their goals already outlined and ready to go. Other clients have an idea of what they want out of therapy but still could use some help in exploring the options. Regardless, the process starts by building trust and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time we will work to set goals and track progress.

MY FIRST SESSION WITH YOU

What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of the time talking about how you have been feeling lately and exploring what has brought you to counseling. The first session is about building an initial connection, as well as an opportunity for me to get a sense of what you expect from therapy, and a chance for you to get an idea of how I can help you. I will ask you questions to ensure that I am understanding your needs, and encourage you to also ask me any questions you might have.

What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of the time talking about how you have been feeling lately and exploring what has brought you to counseling. The first session is about building an initial connection, as well as an opportunity for me to get a sense of what you expect from therapy, and a chance for you to get an idea of how I can help you. I will ask you questions to ensure that I am understanding your needs, and encourage you to also ask me any questions you might have.

  • “John has helped me become my authentic self."

    - D.S. (he/him)

  • “I love who I am today and I have to thank John for hearing me, seeing me, and showing me that I was my biggest barrier."

    - D.D. (he/him)

  • “John has helped me by keeping me accountable and reminding me that I've been and always will be that gurl!"

    - L.S (they/them)

  • "Working with John has given me the confidence to break old habits and create boundaries within my family."

    - J.S. (she/her)

Getting Connected to Services

  • Virtual Appointments Available via the Rula Platform

    INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

    Anthem, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon, Decent, Kaiser Permanente (Southern Ca), MHN, Optum, and Tricare West

  • via the Alma platform

    Virtual & In-Office Appointments Available via the Alma Platform

    INSURANCES ACCEPTED:

    Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, Oscar

    Cash Payment / Sliding Scale / Super Bill

Virtual & In-Office

Appointments Available

West Los Angeles

 

1849 Sawtelle Blvd., Ste. 610.

Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone
(310) 339-0026

Pasadena

 

595 E Colorado Blvd., Ste. 205,

Pasadena, CA 91101

Phone
(310) 339-0026