Therapist Spotlight: Jodie Shea
Need some relationship support? Meet our therapist, Jodie Shea, Sex & Relationships specialist!
Hey Gatherers and Growers! If you’ve needed some relationship support but haven’t been able to get into Jacqueline or Traci’s schedule, have no fear! We managed to get Jodie Shea (CA Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #113965), Sex & Relationships Specialist, on board! So grateful to be able to open up some more spaces to nurture healthy and fulfilling relationships at Gather & Grow OC! Read more about Jodie in her own words below and reach out to schedule HERE.
A Letter From Jodie…
Hi! I’m Jodie, a therapist from the East Coast (people say they can hear it in my voice) who relocated to California a few years ago. I see myself as a mix between the East and West Coast as in kind but also blunt at times and motivated but appreciative of the little things. I’m a real person also trying to make it in the world, and many of my clients note benefiting from my ability to mix professional knowledge with being a human. It is easy to feel defeated when it seems as if we are the only person in the world suffering with a particular issue but my job is to remind you that you are not alone!
I never knew what therapy was growing up but am glad that I do now. I see how helpful it can be in preventing many of the challenges in our world and managing the fallout of things that have already happened. Although it can be hard at times (I also have days I wish I could close that curtain), therapy can greatly improve the quality of our life and relationships. It feels like talking to a close friend that calls you out on your nonsense but won’t go blab to everyone else you see on the day-to-day. Unfortunately, talking to family and friends about issues can backfire when it skews their view or they get sick of hearing about it.
Helping people with their love life is what I do. I’ve always been interested in the dynamics of relationships, the behaviors that emerge in them, and how many things we have had to figure out on our own. I’ve gotten a few weird looks when I smile after a couple tells me about how much they have been struggling in their relationship but it is because I’m excited to help them and optimistic about my ability to make a difference in their life. I rarely see clients leave gaining no insight or improvement so what do you have to lose and how can I help you get where you want to be?
I promise I won’t use this phrase often, but it feels fitting here so…
YOLO,
Jodie
You can contact Jodie directly at (661) 772 - 9784 or jodie@gatherandgrowoc.com. View other therapist profiles HERE.
Therapist Spotlight: Director Traci Medeiros-Bagan
Learn more about GGOC Director: Traci Medeiros-Bagan!
We are so excited for you to get to know one of our Directors Traci Medeiros-Bagan a bit better!
Traci is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with Queer, Kinky, Non-Monogamous and Sex Worker Identified Individuals.
Traci offers individual and couples therapy as well as consultations for parents and other providers on LGBTQ journeys. They are also a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Level 1 Practitioner.
Traci’s caseload is currently full but they are still doing consultations and speaking engagements as they are available! They are also happy to help get you scheduled with another clinician! Read more about Traci below and reach out with any questions/inquiries HERE.
Traci Medeiros-Bagan, Director (She/They)
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #86600
Yoga Alliance Certified RYT 200
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATHER AND GROW OC?
First and foremost, I’m grateful to be a member of this budding community! I also hold the title of Co-Director which includes a little paperwork and lots of dream manifesting. Last but certainly not least, I’ll be seeing a limited number of clients through Gather and Grow, training our therapists and creating educational content to share.
SCHOOL AND TRAINING HISTORY
I completed my BA in Critical Gender Studies with a Focus in Sexuality at UC San Diego and my MA in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University. My traineeship hours combined work at the Orange County LGBT Center and in a private practice. I’ve had a solo private practice in Orange County since 2015.
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
Working at the intersections of vulnerable communities I have found myself working with a lot of folks around journeys of complex trauma. I don’t assert that I have all the answers. Rather, I’d like to think of my work as a gentle reminder that we all have the innate ability to heal and are fully deserving of this healing.
Find out more about Traci’s individual private therapy practice HERE and their private yoga coaching practice HERE.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT BEING PART OF THE GATHER AND GROW OC COMMUNITY?
I love being a therapist, but being a therapist in private practice can end up being solitary work. I have been really fortunate to be a part of several amazing communities over the course of my life. These fortunate experiences have led me to believe that there is no better healing vehicle and goal than to gather and grow with one another. Gather and Grow OC isn’t just a group practice or a business, it’s an intentional safe space and community, one for which I am beyond excited to help plant the seeds!
Therapist Spotlight: Introducing Ami Amimoto
Learn more about GGOC team member: Ami Amimoto!
We are so excited to highlight one of our amazing therapists: Ami Amimoto!
Ami is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who joins our team from The LGBT Center Orange County!
Ami will be offering individual and couples therapy as well as running monthly social group for the API LGBTQ+ Community!
She currently has openings for individual clients on Mondays and Tuesdays! Read more about Ami below and reach out to schedule an appointment with her HERE.
Taylor S. Amimoto “Ami”, Therapist (She/Her)
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #110909
Supervised by: Traci Medeiros-Bagan (CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #86600) and Jacqueline Plante (CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #91084)
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATHER AND GROW OC?
I have the privilege to be part of the Gather and Grow team as an Associate Marriage Family Therapist. I see clients and will soon be facilitating a support space for API LGBTQIA community.
SCHOOL AND TRAINING HISTORY
I achieved my BA in Psychology at California State University of Long Beach and my MA in Couples Family Therapy at Alliant International University. I completed my traineeship and stayed on to work at the LGBT Center OC in Santa Ana. I’m currently in the process of becoming certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
I love working with all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds and different varying communities. It's fascinating listening to people's narratives of their story and their experiences. I love to hear where they want to go from there and to see what I can do to help them on their way!
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT BEING PART OF THE GATHER AND GROW OC COMMUNITY?
The moment I became part of the Gather and Grow OC Community I knew it felt different from other therapy spaces. Group practice is a perfect fit for me because I like to feel a sense and support and community in my own work space which is what Gather and Grow OC warmly provides. Not only do I have a comfortable space to work, I have the opportunity to create a community space for marginalized communities to meet and feel support as well! I'm very excited to see what the future holds for me here!
Therapist Spotlight: Director Jacqueline Plante
Learn more about GGOC Director: Jacqueline Plante!
We are so excited for you to get to know one of our Directors Jacqueline Plante a bit better!
Jacqueline is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists who works with couples to support their relationship journey.
Jacqueline offers individual and couples therapy as well as periodic retreats and intensives for couples looking to grow in their relationship with one another!
She currently has openings for individuals and couples on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays! Read more about Jacqueline below and reach out to schedule an appointment with her HERE.
Jacqueline Plante, Director (She/Her)
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #91084
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATHER AND GROW OC?
I am the co-director of Gather and Grow OC. I am one of the lead therapists and supervisors, as well as one of the educators who creates and facilitates workshops for Gather and Grow.
SCHOOL AND TRAINING HISTORY
I received both my Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from Cal State Fullerton. My Master’s program put heavy emphasis on clinical training and really set the foundation for who I am as a therapist. During my time as a trainee and intern I worked at the LGBT Center in Santa Ana, the Pacific Clinics Sierra Family Center, and eventually under supervision in private practice. Having such a diverse experience in training helped me to hone my skills and learn where to focus my energy to best meet the needs of my clients.
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
In my solo practice, I really gear myself towards relationship work. Romantic, friendship, or familial, the foundation of who we are is often reflected in our experience with others, and I love working through that lens. I enjoy my work immensely, and continue to offer individual and couples therapy.
Learn more about Jacqueline’s individual practice: HERE.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT BEING PART OF THE GATHER AND GROW OC COMMUNITY?
Gather and Grow was established when Traci and I started thinking about how we could better serve our community in a larger way. While I continue to emphasize the benefits of therapy, I also feel that the knowledge gained from my experience as a therapist is worth sharing on different platforms. Gather and Grow allows us to have a space to share new ideas via workshops, fun boot camps, or in consultation. We get to bring others to our table, and to encourage the importance of mental health in a tangible way.
Therapist Spotlight: Introducing Viri Rodriguez
Learn more about GGOC team member: Viri Rodriguez!
We are so excited to highlight one of our amazing therapists: Viri Rodriguez!
Viri is a Licensed Clinical Social with an extensive background supportive vulnerable populations in the local school district.
Viri will be offering individual and family therapy as well as offering energetic healing as a Level 1 Reiki Practitioner to support her clients in their healing journey.
She currently has openings for individuals and families on Saturdays! Read more about Viri below and reach out to schedule an appointment with her HERE.
Viridiana Rodriguez, Clinician (She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #73554
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATHER AND GROW OC?
My role is to provide a vulnerable space to individuals who are allowing me to be part of their healing process as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
SCHOOL AND TRAINING HISTORY
I received my AA in Sociology from Fullerton Community College and my BA in Human Services from Cal State Fullerton. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I completed my Master’s with a concentration in Families & Children and sub concentration in Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC). Most of my clinical work has been with the Orange County Department of Education where I provide therapy to children and adolescents within a school setting. These clinical services with vulnerable youth are critical to their education and a thriving future after high school. I strive to continue removing the stigma of mental health in my role at Gather and Grow OC and in our community!
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
In my individual clinical practice I have worked largely with Latino families, children & adolescents. However, my passion is working with any individual, from any background, across different socioeconomic levels, who are willing to grow through life's challenges in therapy! I’ve learned that LIFE is not to be done alone. My approach is to meet you where you are at and make therapy fun and effective.
I'm bilingual and bi-cultural in Spanish. I'm also a Reiki Level 1 practitioner. I utilize modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, problem solving therapy and solution focused therapy. Other less traditional modalities I utilize are holistic approaches such as aromatherapy (essential oils) and meditation.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT BEING PART OF THE GATHER AND GROW OC COMMUNITY?
The moment I attended the grand opening of Gather and Grow OC I wanted to be part of this group practice. The goals and mission of Gather and Grow attracted me because our practice has the values of growth and improving the lives of the most vulnerable. What excites me the most is helping our community become better versions of themselves with our services and to be able to provide a space where any ethnicity, race, gender and culture feels welcomed! I’m looking forward to creating a sense of belonging for many individuals willing to Gather and Grow with us!
New Year's 2019 Event Catalog!
Find out more about our upcoming events for the New Year!
Gather and Grow OC is proud to announce its 2019 Event Catalog to help you set your intentions to gather, grow and bloom in the New Year!!!
We hope you’ll join our community of therapists, educators, and individuals seeking guidance by participating in one or two of our upcoming offerings!
Click through for more information and feel free to reach out to us with any questions!