- CBT based work
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Sonya
Dr. Sonya Medina is a VA Psychologist with 24 years of clinical experience based in Virginia. She works with adults on problems such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem struggles, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and anger. Sessions address practical concerns like coping with life changes and compassion fatigue.
She trained and practiced in juvenile justice and residential treatment, and now works with Veterans. Her approach centers on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, using clear explanations of how thoughts influence feelings and actions. She helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try different behaviors to change how they feel.
Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing also inform her work. Mindfulness helps people notice thoughts and sensations without judgment. Motivational Interviewing supports people who feel stuck or ambivalent about change.
Her style is direct and collaborative. She gives straightforward feedback and works with clients to set realistic steps toward better daily functioning. The aim is to reduce cycles of distress and increase quality of life.
Practical issues like caregiver stress, chronic illness, attachment and family of origin concerns are part of her caseload. She also addresses abandonment, blended family challenges, and communication or control problems. Sessions focus on concrete skills and steps that can be practiced between meetings.
Online approaches and what they do
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and change patterns of thinking that lead to anger and distress. It involves tracking thoughts and trying new behaviors to test whether they produce different results.Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention skills so people can notice urges, body sensations, and thoughts without immediately reacting. This can reduce impulsive responses and make it easier to choose a different action in tense moments.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to pick methods that fit their goals, needs, and preferences and will adjust plans as progress is made.
Confirm current session options before booking, since formats were not specified in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They can also let someone choose an interaction style that works better for them, such as meeting with video or a simpler audio check-in, depending on what is offered.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger problems does she address?
She works with adult anger concerns including losing temper with close people, workplace frustration, built-up resentment, and coping with someone else’s anger.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and collaborative, focusing on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors through focused exercises.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 24 years of clinical experience, including work in juvenile justice, residential treatment, and current practice with Veterans.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is listed as VA Psychologist 0810003270 and practices in Virginia.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.