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Dr. Sonya Medina

Dr. Sonya Medina

VA Psychologist 0810003270

Therapist · Virginia · 24+ years of experience

Calm, practical guidance for strong emotions

Continue with Sonya

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  • CBT focused
  • Mindfulness tools
  • Trauma informed

About Sonya

Dr. Sonya Medina helps people facing anger alongside related concerns like stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and relationship or intimacy issues. She is a VA Psychologist with 24 years of clinical work and currently provides care to veterans in Virginia. Her approach emphasizes practical steps that reduce distress and improve daily life. She uses a cognitive behavioral perspective to help people spot unhelpful thinking patterns. Once those patterns are clear, she guides clients toward changes in behavior that lessen negative feelings. Sessions focus on identifying small, workable steps rather than abstract ideas. Dr. Medina also draws on mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to help people manage strong emotions and build forward momentum. Motivational interviewing supports change when habits or substance use are part of the problem. Trauma-focused methods are used when past events continue to affect day-to-day functioning. She describes therapy as a collaborative process. The therapist-client relationship is built on compassion and honest feedback. Much of the work involves breaking negative cycles and practicing new responses outside sessions. Her clinical background includes juvenile justice, residential treatment, and veteran care. That range informs a practical style that prioritizes quality of life and clear goals. To begin, readers should use the site’s Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire to schedule based on the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Credentials

Virginia

Languages

English

How specific therapies and online sessions can fit your life

Dr. Medina commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to address problems such as anger, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people notice the thoughts that drive upsetting emotions and then practice alternative behaviors. Mindfulness therapy teaches attention and grounding skills to reduce reactivity and ease strong feelings. She also uses motivational interviewing when change feels difficult; that approach helps people clarify their own reasons for change and build small, sustainable steps. Choosing an approach is a collaborative process and the therapist will work with each person to find the best fit for their goals, needs, and preferences. Confirm the available session formats on the booking page before scheduling, as the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so work or caregiving responsibilities are easier to manage. Therapists can adapt exercises and homework to suit an online session, and Dr. Medina's practical, skills-based style translates well to remote work when both client and clinician agree it suits the situation.

At a glance

Listed location
Virginia
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
VA Psychologist 0810003270
Languages
English
License (Virginia)
Psychologist · No. 0810003270
NPI
1003907536

As listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist help with?

The therapist works with anger and related issues such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and compassion fatigue.

How would therapy sessions feel in practice?

Sessions emphasize spotting unhelpful thoughts, testing new behaviors, and building practical skills. The tone is collaborative with straightforward feedback.

What is the therapist's clinical background?

She has 24 years of clinical experience, including work in juvenile justice, residential treatment, and current practice with veterans.

What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

Credential listed is VA Psychologist 0810003270 and the therapist practices in Virginia.

Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options on the booking page before scheduling.

How are fees and payments handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Before you start

  • Online talk therapy is not a court-ordered or mandated anger-management course, and it does not provide attendance certificates.
  • Check that the location and license details above fit where you live.
  • If anyone is at risk of being harmed, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline first. See the support lines for the US, UK and Australia.
Dr. Sonya MedinaContinue with Sonya