CJ Medina, here. I am a trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with at-risk youth, veterans, and people with disabilities. Though, I primarily work with children, it's nice to be with the adults sometimes. I have 15 years experience with kindergarten through higher education and beyond. Special Education is my specialty, and I am old and wise in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, disability law, and targeted counseling services. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is my original specialty and I have extensive knowledge, psychoeducation, and coping skills/tools to share.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, it will be easy. We're just building rapport. We will go over confidentiality and exceptions to (standard practice, like the airline attendants have to teach you all the safety features and make sure your seat is in the upright position). After all the business, it's time to get to know each other. I will tell you my background, how I practice, and the three most important things that it is important to me that you know about me. I will ask you the same. That should lead into a conversation about what brought you to therapy. We will conclude with a summary of what we discussed and next steps. I will ask you to provide me with three songs that are meaningful to you, or just your current jams, or what you have on repeat in your playlist.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have a deep passion for my work and I know it is my sacred purpose. I am Native American (Apache and Navajo/N'de Diné) and I integrate some of my traditions of mindfulness/prayer, meditation, and instructive storytelling into my practice if the client is open to it. My sense of humor is a very important component. I believe that laughter is healing and a momentary relief. What might be happening for you might not be funny, but we'll imagine what it would be like if you had to tell your story at the comedy club. That is, if you're ready for that. Otherwise, I know when to be serious, I know when to listen, and I know when to stop talking myself. It's your session.
About CJ Medina LCSW PPSC
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In working with youth, CBT is my go to modality. Children, especially adolescents, often have negative and distorted thoughts that lead to certain behaviors that are unhealthy, self-destructive, risky, and self-defeating. I integrate CBT primarily by modeling the reframing of thoughts., providing the client with tools to call out their negative voice in their minds and focus on what's positive. I do like to use some reality testing in this process, especially if there is excessive worry and anxiety in addition to distorted thoughts that trigger emotions that lead to reactions that affect behavior. I like to let the client give their negative voice/thought a name that they can use to personify their negative dialogue. This helps them distance themselves from the negative voice/thoughts and deal with it as something they have a relationship with. Then they can set boundaries, call the negative thoughts by their name, and tell them to go to their room! And of course, the positive voice/thought should have a name, too. So, that the client can call them forward, when negative nelly gets out of hand. For behavior, I teach about reactions versus responses. In which, one is without processing of thoughts and options, and the other takes the time for consideration. I assist the client in creating attainable goals for change, which start with thoughts that lead to action. I partner with the client in developing a treatment plan with objectives to meet these goals and by when this should be assessed, completed, and evaluated.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have utilized DBT in my school-based practice and work with veterans. My students are from backgrounds with a lot of trauma, substance use, and possible suicidality. I find that there are similarities with combat veterans. Integrating DBT into my treatment approach, assists clients with identifying their personal assets; building resilience through developing healthy relationships with self and others; as well as supporting them in accepting what IS at this moment...until the client can affect change. I value the notion of "Radical Acceptance." It is a practice.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I have worked with a diversity of populations and circumstances. As someone who has always lived in communities of color in which I was not a member of that ethnicity or race (I am Native American), I have been exposed to many different cultures and are aware of their social/family structures, customs, and observances. I majored in History and Religion for my undergraduate degree, and as such, am familiar with the history and basic foundations of most mainstream religions. If I find myself unfamiliar with a culture, I conduct research followed by consulting those who might be able to educate me on how to approach my clients and support them in a culturally competent way. If I don't know what is correct, I also just ask my client. They usually don't mind and appreciate it.
Compassion Focused
Compassion is the root of my practice, free of judgment. It's a practice.
Play Therapy
I believe that Play Therapy is good for all ages. I am a Rodeo Clown, after all! Truly, I am a social worker/teacher artist for a children's circus. I can teach you how to juggle, do the spinning plate, stilts, and unicycle. I have utilized play therapy primarily with elementary school students. Play is a child's language and you can learn from observing or engaging them in their play. Play is useful for processing distressing or traumatic events, grief/loss, and assessing cognitive development. It also tells you about their personality and preferences. And so much more!