About Darlene
Darlene Tando offers help for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, family conflict, and LGBT-related concerns. She brings 25 years of clinical experience and a calm, genuine manner to sessions. Darlene is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW practicing in California.
Her style is warm and straightforward. She aims to build an authentic connection and uses moments of lightness and humor when they fit. Sessions focus on practical ways to manage mood, reduce anxiety, and improve relationships at home.
Background and approach
Darlene has extensive experience supporting gender-diverse people and those navigating gender identity and expression. She helps people with coming out questions, relationship conversations, and finding affirming medical and mental health resources. She has led trainings for professionals and parents and has authored a book for parents who want to be affirming.
In therapy she helps clients sort through family of origin issues, caregiver stress, body image concerns, and problems around guilt and forgiveness. She also works with non-monogamous relationship questions and sexuality topics. The approach centers on building insight, practical coping skills, and a clearer sense of self.
Darlene offers teletherapy options and flexible between-session messaging for ongoing reflection and support. Her practice rhythm tends toward biweekly, triweekly, or monthly sessions when that schedule fits a client’s needs.
How evidence-based approaches meet online care
Many clients benefit from clear, structured methods that focus on thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Cognitive approaches help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and practice new ways of responding to stress and anxiety. Behavioral strategies involve small, practical steps to rebuild routines and improve mood. These approaches can help with mood disorders, anxiety, and everyday coping.For relationship and identity concerns, an affirming, person-centered way of working helps people feel understood while they explore identity, relationships, and family questions. That style emphasizes listening, validation, and collaborative problem solving to build confidence and make decisions that fit each person’s life.
Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will work with each person to try methods, see what helps, and adjust the plan based on goals and preferences. That collaborative process ensures techniques match the client’s needs and comfort level.
Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Video calls let people have a session that feels close to in-person work. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during a short break. Live chat and text-based messaging make it simple to check in between sessions or reflect on progress without scheduling a full appointment. These options make regular care more practical and easier to fit into daily routines.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
Also works with
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Depression
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Mood disorders
- Parenting issues
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Self-love
- Sexuality
- Experience
- 25 years
- Licensed
- Virginia, California
- Languages
- English