Sharon Medina

My name is Sharon Medina and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I provide supportive counseling to those struggling with Anxiety, Depression, low self-esteem, trauma, ADHD and other mental health issues using a combination of approaches, based on each person's needs. I do not use a one-fits-all approach because we are all unique individuals with unique needs.

My approach

My approach to therapy is a mix of curiosity, compassion and collaboration. I use an eclectic approach to meet the needs of my clients. That means I may use one or more (usually more) therapeutic evidence-based approaches such as Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to meet my clients where they are at and take them to where they want to go. I truly believe that we are the experts in our lives but that we need others to help us at any given point.

My focus

The clients I have found myself working with the past few years include "high functioning" professional young adults and millennials dealing with the stressors of life such as work stress, burnout, interpersonal and intimate relationship issues and low self-esteem/worth due to inherent need to people please and inability to set healthy boundaries. I have experience working with all age groups and many different mental health conditions. The most common conditions I treat include anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD/ADD, neurodiversity and other mood disorders. Symptoms may include overthinking, feeling tired, feeling out of control, emotional outbursts, sadness, low motivation and difficulty with time management.

My communication style

I tend to use compassion and intuition, mixed with a bit of "tough love" (when needed, of course) to help my clients. I am upbeat, open-minded, caring and kind in my approach. I believe that we are meant to thrive and not merely survive.

My journey to mental healthcare

I started my career in the social services field. I have worked as a caseworker, life skills trainer and have managed/directed non-profit programs. What fuels my passion behind my work is that I believe my purpose is to destigmatize mental health in marginalized groups. I am a first-generation college student and La tina who has struggled immensely with mental health issues/trauma in the past. With a holistic approach, I have been able to sustain the lifestyle of a "life worth living" and I want to help you as well!

My goals for you

I approach goal setting in a non-rigid manner. I work with you to set goals that are obtainable and challenging at the same time. We will periodically review these goals to ensure they are still ones you want to have in place. We can always change/modify goals as they are meant to be dynamic and ever-changing, depending on different factors.

My first session with you

During the first session, my main focuses are on getting to know you and your needs better. I will ask questions about your current symptoms and/or issues. You will have a chance to ask any questions and make any comments. I will also review some important formal documents with you regarding attendance, office policies and your right to privacy and confidentiality.