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Marcela Medina - Therapist in Davie, FL

As a Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, I work with individuals across the lifespan, including children 5+, teens, adolescents, and adults. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to supporting clients in their journey toward healing and personal growth. 

I have had the privilege of working within Mental Health Courts and the Criminal Justice system, where I’ve advocated for individuals and utilized therapeutic techniques to reduce recidivism and better prepare individuals for life transitions. This experience has allowed me to understand the complexities of trauma, behavioral health, and the challenges faced by those navigating the justice system. 

Additionally, I have experience working with First Responders, helping them process the unique stressors and challenges associated with their roles. Whether through trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness, or other evidence-based approaches, I am passionate about empowering individuals to build resilience and make positive changes in their lives. 

In addition to these areas, I have experience working with student athletes, providing both individual and group counseling to help them navigate the unique pressures they face. Whether dealing with performance anxiety, balancing academic and athletic demands, or managing stress and emotional well-being, I am committed to helping student athletes build resilience and foster mental wellness alongside their athletic careers. 

My approach integrates person-centered therapy with modalities such as TF-CBT, ACT, EMDR, and Play Therapy. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and foster self-awareness. I believe in the transformative power of a strong therapeutic relationship, and I am dedicated to helping clients navigate their challenges with confidence and support.

Service Specialties

  • Addiction/Substance Abuse

  • Anxiety

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Depression

  • Trauma and PTSD

Education

  • M.S. Mental Health Counseling

Licenses

  • Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern

Therapeutic Approach

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Attachment Based
  • EMDR
  • Play Therapy
  • Trauma Focused

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Florida Blue

Location

In office in Fort Lauderdale and Davie

Virtually throughout Florida

Contact

info@caringtherapistsofbroward.com

What can I expect in my first few sessions with?

In our first few sessions together, you can expect a space that feels safe, welcoming, and without judgment. I’ll spend time getting to know you—your story (ies), your strengths, struggles, and what feels most important to you right now. We’ll explore what brought you here and begin shaping goals that feel meaningful and realistic for your life.

Because I work from a humanistic and client-centered perspective, I believe you already hold a PHD on your own life (Congrats in advance). My role is to walk alongside you, listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and helping you discover insights and tools that support your growth. As a Latina-American, expressive therapist, I also bring warmth, cultural awareness, and authenticity into our work together.

If we decide EMDR might be a good fit, I’ll introduce you to grounding and resourcing skills early on, so you feel supported before we move into deeper processing. In these first sessions, the focus is really on building trust, making sure you feel comfortable, and starting to create the foundation for meaningful change.

What makes you different from other therapists?

What makes me different isn’t that I see myself as better or above other therapists—I don’t. I believe we’re all human, each of us unique, talented, and perfectly imperfect. In the therapy room, what I bring is my authenticity. I own my emotions, I acknowledge my mistakes, and I don’t hide behind a pedestal. I show up as a real person who sees you as an equal. My hope is that by being genuine and expressive, I create a space where you feel safe to be your full self too—and that openness can be part of the healing process.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

What inspired me to become a therapist is really a journey of lived experiences. I was once the little girl who was shamed and bullied yet carried a big heart and deep compassion. I was the teen whose world shifted when my parents divorced, and the young mom learning to raise a child while still growing up myself. Along the way, I faced failures, obstacles, and loneliness—but I also found strength, resilience, and opportunities to walk alongside some of the most vulnerable people and witness their healing.

Originally, I dreamed of becoming a criminal defense attorney, but mentors and professors reminded me of something deeper—that my true gift was in helping people heal. That encouragement, combined with my own life experiences, is what brought me here. Being a therapist allows me to turn all of that pain, growth, and compassion into something meaningful: supporting others in their own healing journey