Johanna Villalobos
Associate Clinical Social Worker - CA
_edited.png)
Bienvenidos!
I truly respect and honor people who have the courage to challenge themselves and seek greater personal and social responsibility. I believe that one of the most courageous things you can do is seek support as you navigate your healing journey. As a first-generation immigrant who often felt excluded and inadequate, I faced the harsh reality that hard work isn’t always enough. I learned to understand myself and others within the context of our lives and, more importantly, within the oppressive systems we endure. I am proud to say that I’m in therapy myself for depression, and I believe everyone deserves to feel empowered in the decisions they make and supported in making them.
What to expect at our first session
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore your experiences, relationships, and emotions while working toward your personal goals. I believe everyone deserves a space for self-discovery, healing, and self-empowerment, where you can show up as your authentic self and feel accepted for who you are.
In our first session, we’ll start getting to know each other and identify the issues you want to work on. My approach is relational, which means our connection comes first, and your voice and choices will guide how we approach therapy. If I notice an area that deserves more attention and could help you get closer to your goals, I’ll offer my clinical guidance. What matters to you will be taken seriously here. Therapy can mean asking yourself hard questions and facing difficult issues, but you won’t have to do it alone. We’ll face them together.
My Approach
The values I hold closest are social justice, integrity, trustworthiness, transparency, learning, growth, and inclusivity. I believe healing is connected to the world we live in, which is why inclusivity is so important to my work. I want every person I work with to feel respected and valued for who they are, without worrying about being judged or discriminated against. Everyone comes to therapy with their own story, and I believe the strengths you’ve gained from your experiences are an important part of your healing.
Together, we can process painful emotions, explore past experiences, strengthen your relationships, and help you understand yourself more deeply. We’ll also take time to recognize your resilience and celebrate your progress, both big and small. I would be honored to support you as you move toward healing and growth.
My Strengths
I specialize in working with men and couples. Growing up in a patriarchal home and always feeling less than, I experienced complicated dynamics that led to my growth. Those experiences also gave me an appreciation for men who work to challenge the systems they benefit from. I am inspired by the courage it takes to give up comfort in order to be more responsible, and by couples who face systemic barriers and still want to be responsible toward each other.
Specialties
Men's issues
Couples
Addiction
Relationships
Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
My Treatment Methods
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with a psychodynamic and relational approach. This means we can look at the patterns in your life today while also understanding where they came from and how they affect your relationships. My work is trauma-informed and strength-based, and I’m always open with you about how I work and why. Therapy is a collaborative process, so your voice, perspectives, and preferences help us figure out what works best for you. As your needs and circumstances change, our work can change too.
More information
Masters in Social Work, CalState LA
License type: Associate Social Worker
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Latina
Languages: English
In-Network with the following insurance companies: United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Oxford, UMR, Optum, Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service, and Medicare.
(213) 531-0291