I began my career in substance use counseling and then moved into youth residential care, with roles at Boys Town and Child Protective Services (CPS). I also worked directly with clients who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. Now a therapist specializing in OCD and trauma, my diverse experiences across various care settings have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of mental health challenges. This background allows me to offer empathetic, informed support to my clients on their journeys toward recovery and wellness.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session, you can expect a warm, humorous approach that emphasizes human interaction and understanding. We’ll focus on identifying and leveraging your strengths and purposes to help motivate you towards achieving your goals. This session is designed to set the foundation for our work together, ensuring you feel supported and clear about the path ahead.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
What sets me apart as a therapist is my ability to blend humor, compassion, and professional boundaries effectively. I ensure my clients see me as a real person deeply invested in their healing and growth. As a suicide loss survivor, I have a unique perspective on family dynamics and how life experiences shape our self-perception—sometimes skewing it. I focus on helping my clients separate their symptoms from their identity, reminding them of who they are beneath their experiences and challenges. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and more compassionate self-view as they move forward.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am passionate about supporting individuals in high-stress professions that often involve exposure to adverse on-the-job experiences, such as traumatic brain injuries and increased suicide risks. My practice focuses on helping law enforcement personnel, first responders, Child Protective Services workers, emergency room staff, EMS personnel, 911 dispatchers, military members, and their families. Through my work, I aim to provide the understanding and support these dedicated professionals and their loved ones need to navigate the unique challenges of their careers and personal lives.
About Gina Mendez
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
31045 Temecula Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592, 204Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Identifying negative thoughts that cause barriers to change, exposure therapy to help reduce avoidance† behaviors impeding with abilities, and training to help manage their interactions more effectively and reduce stress.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I facilitated groups at county behavioral health, I use DBT alone and in combination of other modalities. It’s goal is to help clients regulate emotions and tolerate distress that is needed in processing trauma and recovering from addiction.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Often used for OCD. Will create a reasonable and effective treatment plan with client to help one slowly reduce distress during exposure to obsessive thoughts, feared activity, place or object that has been avoided, and invoked obsessive behaviors.
Strength-Based
Motivational interviewing helps with negative beliefs systems and the irrational thought patterns that keeps us stuck in addictive or self destructive behaviors.