Making Therapy Fun
Los Angeles, CA | Orange County, CA | Online via telehealth in California
EMDR TRAINED THERAPIST | KETAMINE ASSISTED THERAPY PROVIDER
Level 2 trained - Game To Grow Method - Therapeutically Applied Tabletop RPGS
Well, well, well, looks like you stumbled upon my little corner of the internet. Welcome, my dear nerdy friends, to the lair of a therapist who understands your love for all things geeky.
I'm not your typical therapist. I won't ask you how you're feeling and nod along like a bobblehead. No, no, no. I'll ask you what you’re currently playing, your favorite Disney movies, and if you think Star Wars is better than Star Trek. And if you don't know the answer to either of those questions, don't worry, we'll figure it out together.
As a therapist, I specialize in exploring geek fandoms. That's right, I'm here to help you navigate your way through your favorite universes, from Marvel to DC to video games and beyond. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety or depression, or just need someone to geek out with, I'm here to help.
But let's be real, therapy can be boring. So, I promise to make our sessions as entertaining as possible. We'll talk about your favorite fandoms, debate which superhero would win in a fight, and maybe even role-play as your favorite characters (if that's your thing).
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But do I have to be a nerd to see this therapist?" Absolutely not! While my approach may cater to those who are neurodivergent and nerds, I'm here to help anyone who wants to explore their inner geek. So, if you're curious about this whole geek therapy thing, come on in and let's chat.
In all seriousness, I'm here to provide a safe and welcoming space for anyone who needs it. Therapy can be intimidating, but I promise to make it as comfortable as possible. So, come on in, grab a bag of Cheetos, and let's explore your inner geek together.
Benefits of Video Games
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Individual
perspective taking
insight
problem solving
cognitive flexibility
creativity
behavioral activation
improvisation
appropriate risk taking
impulsivity
organization skills
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Couple/Families
feedback
modeling
accountability
support
trust
exposure to different opinions
communication
leadership
spontaneity and playfullness
As a geek therapist, geek therapy is home to me. It's my language, my self care, and my passion. To be able to explore the virtual worlds of my clients in session is so rewarding and fulfilling. Being able to game with my clients and use video games and pop culture not just to build rapport but as an intervention itself is the best type of job for me. I've used geek therapy such as video games (fortnite, roblox, among us, animal crossing) and pop culture (marvel, DC, cosplay, anime) with clients both young and old, in family sessions, couples, and I even teach clinicians how to use them.
If you'd like to get your butt kicked on Roblox by your therapist while talking emotions, schedule a free 15-minute consult with me.
My name is Jessica Medina and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT #129383).
• What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
My superpower is taking geek and pop culture (i.e. Marvel, Disney, video games) and making them therapeutic. Not only do I discuss these in therapy, I join my clients in gaming in session and we use geek therapy to explore it together.
• What is one thing that you have learned through your own therapy?
My biggest takeaway is that we are all human - therapists included. All clients: kids, teens, adults are human beings going through the human experience. Sometimes we forget the humanity in what we do, that everyone just wants to be heard and accepted. Part of this, is acknowledging the human in me and doing my own work through therapy too.
• Is there an example from your daily life where you practice what you preach?
I believe strongly in the power of video games. Between sessions or for self-care I can be found playing Roblox, Minecraft, Animal Crossing, or Call of Duty. To me, it's my creative outlet, my digital escape, my virtual playground of zen.
About Me
Jessica Medina, LMFT
Clinician (she/her)
Jessica Medina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is a proud LGBTQIA+ Therapist currently practicing out of Orange County, California. She specializes in Narrative Therapy, Geek Therapy, and Strength-Based Therapy.
She has worked with children ages 6-17 years old and adults 18-65 years old. She has extensive experience doing school-based counseling, facilitating groups, and training clinicians in video game interventions. She has worked with couples, families, individuals, and groups.
She specializes in populations and issues, including family-of-origin difficulties, divorce, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, sexual assault, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Free Consultation: I will provide free 20-minute consultation to answer questions and ensure fit via phone or Zoom.
Services: Teletherapy, ESA Assessment and Letter, Gender Affirmation Surgery Letters, Certificate of Merit, and EAP Sessions
Languages: English
License Number: LMFT129383
State License Jurisdiction: California
Letters: Gender Affirming Surgery Letter and ESA Letter
Insurance: Aetna, Cigna, United, Optum
EAPs: ComPsych, ModernHealth
Professional Memberships: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and California Association of Marriage Family Therapists
Website: https://www.happylilbrains.com/
Contact Info: happylilbrains@gmail.com
Service Prices:
Individual Therapy Adult: $195 before 5 pm/$210 after 5 pm
Individual Therapy Child: $195 before 5 pm/$210 after 5 pm
ESA Initial Housing Letter: One ESA $150, Two ESAs $170
ESA Renewal Housing Letter: One ESA $80, Two ESAs $90
Gender Affirming Surgery Letter: $150
Panels:
UCI Reclaim Mental Health Panelist - 2016 & 2017 | Topic: Exploring Complex Trauma
Therapeutic Applied Geek and Gaming Summit - 2021 & 2022 | Topics: Using Animal Crossing and Roblox in Therapy, Grief in Animal Crossing
California Association of School Psychologists Conference - 2023 - Integrating Video Games and Pop Culture with SEL’s
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
There is a common misconception that Marriage and Family Therapists only treat couples or families - this is entirely untrue. So what makes marriage and family therapists different from other kinds of therapists? While they offer psychotherapy and attend to mental health issues, they focus more on how family dynamics impact psychological health. On a daily basis, they might deal with numerous different client issues such as self-esteem, self-harm, depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and relationship problems.
Get started with me, today