Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Moore-Medina.
Keisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a single-parent home where I witnessed my mother’s unwavering support, generosity, and constant encouragement. With my father’s absence and inconsistency, my mother filled the gaps in more ways than one. Despite juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities in helping us, she was always there for me, demonstrating what genuine love and care meant. My childhood was filled with support and great memories, yet I also dealt with loss and grief. However, I learned from an early age that it’s okay not to be okay, developing within me a deep empathy for others’ well-being.
When I started college, my intention was to pursue a career in a helping profession, but I was initially uncertain how that would look. It was during my first social work class that I really resonated with its philosophy and approach to help people. Viewing individuals from a systemic perspective across various domains and learning assessment and intervention techniques was so eye-opening for me. The decision to become a therapist wasn’t a single moment but rather a culmination of experiences and realizations over time. I don’t think there was a specific moment that I decided to become a therapist, but it happened due to experiences and realizations over time.
After I received my bachelor’s degree in social work, I chose to further my education and applied for graduate school. Throughout my master’s program, I had to change to experience the micro and clinical aspects of social work. Despite encountering challenges as a woman of color, facing environments that didn’t fully embrace aspects of my identity, I recognized the necessity for Black female therapists in the field. I sought to incorporate my unique experiences and perspectives into my practice.
Interning with youth in juvenile probation and later transitioning to school settings to work with children and adolescents provided helpful experiences. I then worked heavily in community health settings, integrating case management and clinical skills to serve at-risk populations. Transitioning to more clinical roles within the mental health hospital domain has furthered my expertise.
Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself to continuous growth and learning. Each year brings new opportunities for personal and professional development. Now, I am privileged to continue my therapeutic work through private practice, aiming to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I get to help.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road? Ha! I wish! In all seriousness, despite pursuing a field I love, there have been plenty of challenges. I’ve encountered obstacles while striving to balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life. Financial issues, burnout, loss, mental health struggles, difficult transitions, and family concerns have all been part of the journey.
There have been times when I’ve been overly critical of myself, forgetting that I’m only human in process. It’s really important for me to trust in my abilities, skills, and knowledge, especially when that inner critic shows up. Finding balance is an ongoing journey—knowing when I’m doing enough, navigating societal expectations, integrating and remaining aware of impactful world events, and avoiding overwhelm while still engaging meaningfully.
Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of self-care and appreciation for where I am in life. I’m grateful for the solid love and support of my family and friends; they’ve been instrumental in my journey. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Gorgeous Minds Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a License Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor (LCSW-S). My private practice, Gorgeous Minds Counseling, is known for providing passionate and supportive therapy services for adolescents and adults throughout Texas. The practice is co-owned by myself and Chasity Rasco, LCSW. We are really dedicated to empowering individuals to share their stories, understand themselves, and enhance their lives.
Gorgeous Minds Counseling stands out by offering a holistic and highly personalized approach to therapy. As co-owners, my longtime friend and colleague, Chasity Rasco, LCSW, brings years of experience in various settings, enabling effective connection with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Personally, I enjoy using a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness Interventions. Additionally, the incorporation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other evidence-based interventions shows my commitment to diverse and effective treatment.
I want people to know that therapy with me goes beyond just addressing immediate concerns—it’s about empowering the people I work with to live their lives in a healthy, fulfilling, and compassionate way. I work to address self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, and stress related to work, school, and relationships. My approach involves not only addressing emotions but also working collaboratively with my clients to find the healthiest and realistic ways to cope and move forward. My clients may find that I use grace, compassion, humor, realistic and individualized ways to help them reach their goals. My clients are encouraged to actively participate in their therapeutic journey with a commitment to meaningful work and open communication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gorgeousmindscounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gorgeousmindscounseling/
Image Credits
Nightfall Motion Pictures
Krisdphotography
