Federico Godina, LCSW

Federico Godina is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, low self-esteem, and depression. He aims to make starting therapy feel less overwhelming and provides steady support through the early steps of change.

He uses straightforward conversation to build an open, nonjudgmental space. Sessions focus on naming what feels hard and finding small, doable steps forward. Federico encourages practical skills that can be tried between meetings so change feels real day to day.

Federico blends cognitive behavioral methods with client-centered and mindfulness tools. That means he helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, try new behaviors, and tune into the present moment. He also draws on dialectical behavior techniques and motivational interviewing when people need emotion regulation skills or help finding internal motivation.

Across seven years of practice he has supported people through relationship strain, commitment and control issues, guilt and shame, and challenges like hoarding or impulsivity. He also helps with concerns tied to fatherhood, caregiver stress, and blended family dynamics.

Sessions are offered in English and follow the therapist's California licensing as an LCSW. Federico focuses on practical ways to reduce daily distress and build more confidence over time. He treats each person as an individual and works at a pace that fits their needs.

How these approaches translate to online sessions

Federico commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in his online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes to reduce anxiety, low mood, and stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and understanding, giving people space to describe their worries and decide what matters most to them.

He also integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques when stronger emotion regulation or distress-tolerance skills are needed. DBT skills teach practical ways to manage intense feelings and reduce impulsive reactions, which can help with anger and relationship challenges.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. Federico will collaborate with each person to choose approaches that match their goals, preferences, and daily life. That means trying techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and teaching specific exercises. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text messaging work well for quick updates, between-session coaching, or when someone prefers writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to practice skills in real time.