- Family of origin issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Addictions recovery
About Paul
Dr. Paul Fernandez is a California psychologist (CA Psychologist 19972) with 30 years of clinical experience working with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, self-esteem, and life transitions. He sees adults in California and offers services in English and Spanish. He has focused much of his work in Latino and Hispanic communities in Southern California and attends to cultural, spiritual, and family influences when relevant.
He pays attention to how family roles, expectations, and cultural traditions shape patterns of behavior. In sessions he talks through what keeps a problem going and helps people develop concrete coping tools. He discusses communication, boundary setting, and ways to manage strong emotions like anger or anxiety.
Dr. Fernandez combines practical strategies with conversations about values and meaning. He uses methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. These approaches help when people want clearer choices, better emotional regulation, or to change repetitive patterns rooted in family of origin dynamics.
He also works with people facing substance use and recovery, and with those balancing caregiving, chronic illness, or major life changes. He is comfortable including spirituality and family values in sessions when clients want that to be part of the work.
People who choose to work with him complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session. He emphasizes steady, practical steps rather than quick fixes, and helps people decide what changes matter most to them.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward them while learning to notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings. This approach can help people who feel stuck by family expectations or ongoing anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills for changing unhelpful patterns; it is useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) emphasizes recognizing and processing emotions in order to improve connections and communication in important relationships.Choosing the most helpful approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and the problems they want to address. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as work progresses.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. Online work can also let someone continue weekly sessions during periods of relocation or schedule change. Licensed professionals adapt exercises, homework, and communication to fit remote visits so the work stays practical and focused on daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style?
He combines practical skill-building with reflective conversations about values and relationships. Sessions focus on understanding patterns and developing tools to manage emotions and interactions.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 30 years of experience providing mental health services in California, including extensive work with Latino and Hispanic communities.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a California psychologist (CA Psychologist 19972) practicing in California.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Which session formats are used?
Current session formats are not specified here; please confirm available session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.