- ACT methods
- CBT techniques
- Spanish language
About Paul
Dr. Paul Fernandez is a California psychologist (CA Psychologist 19972) with 30 years of clinical experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship strain, grief, and shame-related concerns. He works with individuals on self-esteem, career changes, coping with life transitions, and the emotional effects of trauma and abuse. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish from his California practice.
Paul has long experience working with Latino and Hispanic communities in Southern California. He pays attention to how culture, family expectations, faith, and immigration history shape feelings and behavior. When clients wish, he will include spirituality, family values, or cultural traditions in the conversation.
His practical approach combines talking through patterns with hands-on strategies. He uses methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered work, and existential ideas to help people notice what matters and make small, manageable shifts.
Paul often helps people address substance use and the aftermath of choices they regret. He focuses on what contributes to those behaviors and on building coping strategies, triggers management, and more stable daily routines. He does not define someone by a single problem but looks at the wider picture affecting their decisions.
He recognizes that discussing painful topics can feel risky in some families and cultures. He lets people set the pace and aims to reduce shame about mistakes, hurts, or conflicts while working toward clearer communication and healthier boundaries.
How his approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match those values. It can help when guilt or shame makes everyday choices feel impossible. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thinking patterns and tests them with practical experiments and skills to change behavior and mood. That approach is often useful for anxiety, low mood, and problem habits. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) supports understanding emotional responses in relationships and improving communication and connection when shame or hurt drives distance.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. During early sessions he will work with the client to identify which methods seem to fit their goals, cultural background, and the immediate concerns they bring. The plan can be adjusted over time as needs and priorities change.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm available session types before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy around work, caregiving, or busy schedules because they reduce travel time and make short check-ins easier. Some formats need less bandwidth or are better for brief problem-focused work, while others suit longer conversations. Ask about language options, scheduling, and any practical accommodations when you set up the first appointment.
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 kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, career issues, and coping with life changes.
How would he address feelings of guilt or shame?
He combines talking through the meaning of those feelings with practical tools from approaches like ACT and CBT to reduce their hold and support better choices.
What is his background and experience?
He has 30 years of clinical experience, including extensive work with Latino and Hispanic communities in Southern California.
Is he a licensed clinician and where does he practice?
He is a California psychologist holding the credential CA Psychologist 19972 and practices in California.
Does he offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.