Cherina Medina, LCSW, CSW

Cherina Medina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, and concerns related to LGBT identity. Cherina brings a direct, down-to-earth style and uses humor alongside careful listening to make hard conversations easier to start.

Her approach centers on the person in front of her. Cherina uses Client-Centered Therapy to follow each person's pace and priorities. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Sessions mix practical skills, psychoeducation, and storytelling when that fits the client's needs.

Cherina has worked across school systems, higher education, and with veterans and people with disabilities. She has a long history in special education and experience with Individualized Education Plans and disability-related supports. That background informs her work with people navigating ADHD and learning differences.

She is Native American, of Apache and Navajo/N'de Diné heritage, and sometimes weaves traditional mindfulness, prayer, or storytelling into sessions if a client wants that. Cherina says humor is part of healing and will use it when appropriate, while also offering space for quiet, serious reflection.

Sessions focus on practical tools and real-life problems. Cherina encourages clients to bring their stories, their questions, and curiosity about change. To begin, people complete a short questionnaire and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

How her approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person's goals and pace. In this approach the therapist listens closely, reflects what is said, and follows the client's lead to decide what to address next. It helps when someone needs a supportive space to talk through identity, grief, or relationship and family-of-origin issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. Sessions using CBT include practical exercises, skill-building, and steps to test new ways of coping with anxiety, depression, or impulsivity. Homework and short weekly check-ins are common parts of this work.

Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods that fit the client's needs, and adjust based on feedback. Clients and the therapist decide together which tools and pace work best.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make it simpler to join from different Colorado locations depending on licensing and scheduling.