It’s our pleasure to introduce you to Joanne Cedeno, Ms.Ed.! Joanne is completing her Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling and we are lucky enough to join her on this journey to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Joanne believes that healing is a journey, not a destination and is honored to hold space for her clients as they transmute their pain into purpose.
Learn more about Joanne in her own words…
What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
Flowing will get you places forcing never could.
What is your favorite part about working for Nourish Your Mind?
NYM prioritizes a clinician’s success by offering them regular, high-quality supervision and fostering a highly collaborative culture among clinicians. NYM also prioritizes their clinicians’ well-being in order to ensure they are well-positioned to provide their clients with quality counseling and psychotherapy services.
Tell me how you first got involved in with Mental Health . . .
I became involved with mental health, after years of trauma, as client and I am a better therapist because of my healing journey. I firmly believe that wounded healers hold the fiercest hope for their clients.
What do you like most about your job at Nourish?
The gift of my client’s trust in my ability to hold space for their pain and their confidence in me to help them transform it into healing and purpose.
What are your hopes for the future of the Mental Health Industry?
That mental health is normalized and prioritized in all places and spaces. I also hope that quality mental health support will become accessible to everyone who needs it.
How would you describe your style as a Therapist?
My style is culturally responsive, highly empathetic and empowering.
What do you feel makes you unique as a Mental Health Counselor?
My own experience with healing intergenerational trauma has gifted me the ability to conceptualize a client’s experience through a holistic lens.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? I am highly introverted.
Motto or personal mantra? Seek joy in all things at all times.
What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
- Ask questions, often.
- Trust your gut.
- I am a vessel, a medium, a guide.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about seeking counseling services for the first time?
There is nothing like experiencing the unconditional positive regard that comes with therapy. Do it, as much as you possible can!
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Geeking out on all things related to the human condition. I also sing, dance and love to travel.
What is an ability you wish you had?
Telepathy.
If you were an animal what would you be? And why?
A dog because I strive to give all who come into my realm unconditional love, support and loyalty.
What children’s character can you relate with most? And why?
I relate strongly to Storm, a character from Marvel Comics. I’ve always been told that my energy and it’s shifts are highly palpable when I enter a room; similar to Storm. Additionally, as a humanitarian at heart, I also resonate deeply with her mission as part of the X-Men to bring peace between humans and mutants.