Joanna Gerena, MS, is a Mental Health Clinician at Doria Therapeutic Group, PLLC. She is a bilingual therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strengths. Joanna is especially passionate about supporting those who have experienced adversity, major life transitions, or emotional difficulties that may feel overwhelming.
She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Haven, where she completed a comprehensive academic and clinical training program. During her graduate studies, Joanna interned at Andrus Children’s Center, providing individual therapy to adolescent and adult clients facing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and family conflict.
Joanna’s therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and deep respect for each client’s unique journey. She draws from a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation and mindfulness; and Person-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. She also integrates a Feminist perspective, recognizing how identity, systemic oppression, and power dynamics shape emotional well-being, and she works to help clients reclaim their voice and agency.
Known for her warm and nonjudgmental presence, Joanna creates a safe, supportive environment where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. She believes that healing occurs through authentic connection and works collaboratively with clients to set meaningful goals, tap into personal strengths, and move forward with purpose.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, Joanna is committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care to Spanish-speaking clients in their preferred language. In addition to her clinical work, Joanna served as a mentor to early-stage counseling students during graduate school, offering guidance in counseling skills, trauma-informed care, and ethical practice, reflecting her dedication to both client care and the development of future professionals in the field. Outside of her professional life, Joanna enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, bicycling, reading, dining out, and visiting the beach during the summer. Staying active and connected helps her remain grounded and inspired in her work.
Joanna Gerena, M.S., es terapeuta de salud mental en Doria Therapeutic Group, PLLC. Es una profesional bilingüe comprometida con ayudar a las personas a afrontar los desafíos de la vida y a descubrir sus fortalezas internas. Joanna siente una profunda vocación por apoyar a quienes han experimentado adversidades, transiciones importantes o dificultades emocionales que pueden resultar abrumadoras.
Obtuvo su maestría en Consejería en Salud Mental Clínica en la Universidad de New Haven, donde completó un riguroso programa de formación académica y clínica. Durante sus estudios de posgrado, realizó una pasantía clínica en Andrus Children’s Center, brindando terapia individual a adolescentes y adultos con diversas problemáticas, como ansiedad, depresión, trauma y conflictos familiares.
El enfoque terapéutico de Joanna se basa en la compasión, la colaboración y el respeto profundo por el recorrido único de cada persona. Integra una variedad de enfoques respaldados por la evidencia, incluyendo la Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (TCC) para ayudar a identificar y desafiar patrones de pensamiento poco útiles; la Terapia Dialéctica Conductual (TDC) para fortalecer la regulación emocional y la atención plena; y la Terapia Centrada en la Persona, que se enfoca en la empatía, la autenticidad y la aceptación incondicional para fomentar una relación terapéutica segura y empoderadora. También incorpora una perspectiva feminista, reconociendo el impacto de la identidad, la opresión sistémica y las dinámicas de poder en el bienestar emocional, ayudando a sus clientes a recuperar su voz y agencia personal.
Reconocida por su calidez y actitud sin juicios, Joanna crea un ambiente seguro y de apoyo donde sus pacientes se sienten vistos, valorados y empoderados para crecer. Cree que la sanación ocurre a través de una conexión auténtica y trabaja de manera colaborativa con sus clientes para establecer metas significativas, potenciar fortalezas personales y avanzar con propósito.
Como hablante fluida de español, Joanna se compromete a brindar atención culturalmente receptiva y afirmativa a los clientes hispanohablantes en su idioma preferido.
Además de su labor clínica, Joanna fue mentora de estudiantes de consejería en etapas tempranas durante su formación de posgrado, brindando orientación en habilidades fundamentales, atención informada sobre trauma y práctica ética, lo que demuestra su dedicación tanto al cuidado de los pacientes como al desarrollo de futuros profesionales del campo.
Fuera del ámbito profesional, a Joanna le gusta pasar tiempo con su familia y amigos, hacer caminatas, andar en bicicleta, leer, salir a cenar y disfrutar de la playa durante el verano. Mantenerse activa y conectada le permite mantenerse centrada e inspirada en su trabajo.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, Joanna is committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care to Spanish-speaking clients in their preferred language.
In addition to her clinical work, Joanna served as a mentor to early-stage counseling students during graduate school, offering guidance in counseling skills, trauma-informed care, and ethical practice, reflecting her dedication to both client care and the development of future professionals in the field.
Outside of her professional life, Joanna enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, bicycling, reading, dining out, and visiting the beach during the summer. Staying active and connected helps her remain grounded and inspired in her work.
At Doria Therapeutic Group, PLLC, we are passionate about empowering individuals to live healthier, more balanced lives.
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