Janel Medina

I'm Janel Medina. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I've had the opportunity to work in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I'm a virtual clinician that is based out of San Diego, CA, and am able to work with clients within the state of California. I hope to be able to provide a safe, supportive space to help you take steps to have a better life.

My approach

I want to meet you where you are at. Even if you're not ready to make a major change, I'm here to help you throw it all out on the table without fear of judgment. You know yourself best. Your friends and family might have your best interests in mind, however, they are still going to guide you in the direction that is best for them and that might not be best for you.

My focus

I have had the opportunity to work with clients of all ages, but prefer to work with adults contemplating a change in their life. I mostly utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist with better-managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It's usually our internal dialogue that we have about ourselves that is the problem. If we can make that dialogue more accurate and believable it's much easier to accept and/or challenge.

My communication style

I want to follow your lead. However, I also want to be able to maybe nudge, and perhaps push you (after we have some rapport with one another) out of your comfort zone if you need it. If I can help bring a different perspective to the situation, I'm doing my job. It's not about always agreeing with me, I just want to provide a wider lens of what you might be facing with more perspective and insight.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have the best career in the world. This has given me an opportunity to have real and authentic experiences with other people that I never would have had a chance to connect with. Being able to join someone's journey of change for a better life is one of the most rewarding gifts that I could ever have. It's amazing to see someone glow from the inside out and find their true inner strength to create the life that they deserve.

My goals for you

Ultimately, the goal is to find contentment and acceptance in your own skin. I'm here to help your goals be attainable and reasonable. I think that it's helpful to have a reassessment of what you would like to achieve between our sessions so that I can help you find accountability for yourself.

My first session with you

I hope to be able to get to know you, identify what it is that you want for yourself, and your ideas of what you think would be helpful. It will probably include a ton of questions as I want to have a good idea of what you want, where you are coming from, and what is most important to you at this time.