Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Dr. Sonya Medina

Dr. Sonya Medina, VA Psychologist 0810003270

Virginia

VA Psychologist - family and trauma concerns

See online therapy options
  • CBT focused
  • Mindfulness techniques
  • Solution focused

About Sonya

Dr. Sonya Medina is a VA Psychologist with 24 years of clinical experience based in Virginia. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue. Her practice also addresses family concerns and family of origin issues that affect current relationships and behavior.

She trained and practiced in juvenile justice and residential treatment before working with veterans. That mix of settings shaped a direct, problem-focused style. In sessions she helps people spot thinking patterns that keep problems going and tests practical changes to behavior.

Dr. Medina primarily uses cognitive behavioral approaches to link thoughts, feelings, and actions. She also draws on mindfulness techniques to help people notice reactions, motivational interviewing to increase readiness for change, solution-focused strategies for concrete goals, and trauma-focused ideas when past events are central.

Sessions are collaborative and action-oriented. Clients can expect clear feedback, targeted exercises between meetings, and efforts to break repeating cycles that started in earlier family life. The work balances noticing painful patterns with taking small, doable steps toward different responses.

She offers therapy in English and practices in Virginia. The practice understands that cost varies by location and that sessions are offered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, choose the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Dr. Medina often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify links between thoughts, emotions, and actions. CBT typically involves setting clear goals, practicing skills in between sessions, and testing new behaviors to reduce distress. Mindfulness Therapy is used to increase awareness of automatic reactions and to develop steadier responses to difficult feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide whether to emphasize thought-challenging, mindfulness practice, motivational interviewing for change, or short solution-focused steps depending on the client’s needs.

The practical benefits of meeting remotely usually include fitting sessions into a busy week and reducing travel time. If you are interested in online options, confirm the current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online meetings can make it easier to schedule regular check-ins and to practice between-session exercises in day-to-day settings.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

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

Listed in

Virginia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address related to family patterns?

She works with issues such as family of origin problems, attachment difficulties, communication problems, and how those patterns affect adult relationships.

What is her therapeutic style?

Her approach is practical and collaborative. She uses clear feedback, targeted exercises, and problem-focused work to change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.

How much clinical experience does she have?

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

What credential does she hold and where is she based?

She is a VA Psychologist and practices in Virginia.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she accept international clients?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions priced?

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

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.

Dr. Sonya MedinaVA Psychologist 0810003270

See online therapy options