Monique Jimenez

Practice Philosophy

Trauma, pain, loss, and adversity are inevitable parts of life. These events shape who we are and how we respond to the world, in ways many of us don’t even realize. If we weren’t modeled by our parents or environment how to deal with these challenges, it’s human nature to develop our own ways of surviving. Oftentimes, these adapted coping mechanisms may serve their important purpose at first, but remain with us and impair our day-to-day functioning. When this happens, we may find ourselves feeling stuck in a cycle of even more frustration and pain. I believe with a therapeutic exploration of the events that have impacted us, we can accept and release our traumas, ultimately integrating them into a more meaningful, fulfilling present.

Therapeutic Approach

First and foremost, I work to create a safe and sacred place for clients to begin the journey into the self. As every person has a unique story and perspective, my process varies based on the individual’s background and needs. I work closely with each client to help them make peace with pain, find meaning even in the hard moments, and discover their own inner power.

Specialties

Trauma / PTSD

No matter how big or small, trauma has a powerful influence on our brains and how we interact with the world. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses bilateral stimulation to help clients reprocess traumas, make sense of the events we couldn’t control, and ultimately find healing.

Couples Therapy

Healthy and long lasting relationships are built on trust and commitment. Both of which can be strengthened and even weakened throughout the years without one even noticing. Having gone through couple's therapy myself with my partner I can attest on how impactful it can be along with receiving tools that you can use in the future. I work with couples in all phases of their relationship to help them build a deeper and stronger understanding of each other so that they can come together as a whole.

Parenting and Blended Families As a mother of three (and stepmother of an additional three), I understand intimately how parenthood can sometimes be as terrifying as it is enriching and rewarding. I help parents learn how to better communicate with their children, manage past and present experiences from their own childhood that may affect the relationship they have with their children, and help couples with blended families learn how to adjust and thrive in a new family dynamic. Young Adults Every generation faces new and unique societal challenges determined by the world and culture of its time, in addition to the traditional growing pains that naturally come with transitioning into adulthood. I work with today’s young adults to help them navigate the stressors of this period of life and integrate into adulthood with confidence. Sexual Abuse and Sex Therapy

The CDC estimates that 1/3 of Americans have experienced sexual violence or abuse at some point in life. Additionally, there is a range of sexual topics that even more people experience, but don’t always know where to turn for help. As a Clinical Sexologist, I am passionate about and extensively trained in helping individuals overcome sexual trauma and developing a healthy, fulfilling sex life.

Alternative Lifestyles I believe that everyone deserves to live their life as authentic and authentically as they wish. However, I also recognize the struggles that may come with doing so especially in the LGBTQ+ community. I provide a safe space for all, and can help individuals and couples explore those lifestyles that they may seek to better understand and possibly incorporate in their relationship(s). From Fetish, Kink, to same-sex partnerships I will help you by having an open heart and mind. Women’s Issues Navigating the world as a woman comes with a long list of challenges. Body image, sexism, fertility, motherhood, self-esteem, gender roles, and stereotyping are just a few of the experiences that impact women in unique ways. Whether these topics show up in the personal, professional, or family space, my goal is to help women explore their impact to daily life and learn how to thrive with optimal health and well-being. Mindfulness Mindfulness is a way of living in which we are able to step back and be in the present moment while being fully engaged in whatever we are doing. It not only helps to build self-awareness that is needed to handle life's adversity, it also helps increase compassion for others which in today's day and age is needed now more than ever. Mindfulness can be used in many ways such as in relationships, parenting and stress. Background

I was born and raised in Miami. I became a mother very early on in my life, specifically at the age of 19 years old. By the age of 23 I found myself a single mother and working full time. College was something that I told myself I just couldn't do because my children came first. As I got older I married the love of my life that also had three children and so we set off on this blended family journey together. As I got older, college was still in the back of my mind with Psychology being my main passion. Eventually life would hit me hard, and made me wake up to finally set forth my dream of pursuing my degree and passion of helping others.

I earned my Associates in Arts (AA) in Psychology from Miami Dade College and then transferred to Carlos Albizu University to finish my undergraduate degree in Psychology (BS) earning Magna Cum Laude status. I also earned my Masters in Mental Health Counseling degree from Albizu University and currently pursuing a Clinical Sexology degree from The International Institute of Clinical Sexology.

I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts and music, working out, yoga, and spending time with our adult children and granddaughter. I also enjoy traveling with my partner around the world and meeting new people of all types of backgrounds.