Meet Maria, Your Counselor

  • "As part of the Latinx, LGBT+, and BIPOC community I am here to provide you with a safe space. Centered around you, for you. Tailored for your path of growth and healing."

Are you looking for a compassionate guide to help you navigate life's challenges and rediscover your value and inner strength? I'm Maria Garcia, a Bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, dedicated to offering a safe, affirming, and collaborative space for your healing and personal growth.

I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas and Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health from University of North Texas at Dallas. I have specialized training in various therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These tools equip me to support you through even the toughest moments.

I am particularly passionate about working with individuals in the Latinx, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities, including adolescents, adults, and couples. My approach is gentle, patient, and affirming, creating a space where you can explore your true self without fear of judgment.

I believe that healing is a personal journey, unique to each individual. As your counselor, I’m here not to impose solutions but to empower you in discovering and using your inner strengths to live a life that aligns with your values.

Together, we can embark on a transformative journey toward embracing your authenticity and unlocking your full potential. You deserve a life where you feel empowered and validated, and I’m here to help you achieve that.

Areas of Expertise

I understand the unique challenges you may face, and I'm here to offer a compassionate, safe space where your story is valued.

Let's embark on this journey together— begin your path to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

  • Living with anxiety feels like navigating through persistent fog. Each day brings racing thoughts, overwhelming sensations, and fear of the unknown, making it hard to engage with the world. This experience can be isolating, but remember, you're not alone. Discussing feelings can lighten the burden. With support, coping strategies, and understanding of emotions, life with anxiety can become manageable. Embracing your feelings and seeking help can lead to a brighter, balanced future.

  • Depression can deeply affect how you see yourself and your connection to others, making everything feel overwhelming and isolating. Healing begins with acknowledging the weight of depression and finding a safe space to talk about what you’re going through. This journey requires patience, self-compassion, and support, but you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we can work towards lifting the heaviness and finding light in your life again.

  • Trauma can deeply affect how you see yourself and interact with others, often leading to anxiety, depression, or PTSD. I know this is especially challenging for those in the Latinx, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC communities, where cultural stigma and discrimination can add to the burden. Healing starts with understanding how trauma impacts you and creating a safe space to process what you’ve been through. This journey takes patience, self-compassion, and resilience, but you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can work towards reclaiming the joy in your life.

  • You may experience emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, and long-term psychological trauma. These effects can persist even after the abuse ends. Together we will create a safe place to process your experience, develop coping strategies, and rebuild your life.

  • I want you to know that what happened to you is not your fault, and your feelings are valid. Experiencing sexual abuse or assault can leave deep emotional scars, affecting how you see yourself and trust others. Seeking counseling is a powerful step toward healing, and I’m here to support you through this journey. Together, we can create a safe space where you can process your experiences, rebuild your sense of self, and find your strength again. You don’t have to go through this alone.

  • I understand that relationship issues can feel incredibly challenging and leave you feeling stuck or hurt. Seeking counseling is a brave step, and I'm here to help you work through these difficulties. Together, we can explore the dynamics of your relationship, improve communication, and address any underlying concerns. My goal is to support you in finding clarity, healing, and a path forward, so you can build healthier, more fulfilling connections. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

  • Family conflict can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining, leaving you feeling stuck or misunderstood. Seeking counseling is a positive step toward resolving these issues, and I’m here to help you navigate the challenges. Together, we can work on improving communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding healthy ways to address conflicts. My goal is to support you in creating a more harmonious and supportive family dynamic, where everyone feels heard and valued.

  • Loss of a loved one can be profoundly overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost and emotionally drained. Seeking counseling is a courageous step towards healing, and I’m here to support you through this difficult time. Together, we can navigate your emotions, find ways to honor your loved one, and help you cope with the pain, ultimately finding a path toward acceptance and peace. You don’t have to face this journey alone—I'm here to help you through every step.

  • LGBT-affirming care in counseling is a supportive and inclusive approach that recognizes and respects the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. It involves creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their identity, relationships, and mental health without fear of discrimination. This type of care acknowledges the impact of societal stigma and aims to empower clients by validating their experiences, promoting self-acceptance, and offering tailored support to help them navigate challenges related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and overall well-being.

  • I want you to know that seeking counseling is a powerful step toward understanding and affirming your true self. Struggling with gender identity, dysphoria, and the complexities of transitioning can be incredibly challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. In counseling, you’ll find a safe space to explore your feelings, receive support, and develop a path that aligns with who you are. Remember, your identity is valid, and seeking help is a sign of your strength and commitment to your well-being.

  • Living with HIV brings its own set of challenges, but understanding that U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) means you can lead a long, fulfilling life. Despite this, outdated misconceptions can still affect your relationships with family and friends, leading to feelings of shame or alienation. I'm here to support you in overcoming these barriers. Together, we’ll work on building self-acceptance, self-compassion, and meaningful connections, helping you navigate your journey with strength and pride.

  • If you're struggling with open relationships, polyamory, or consensual nonmonogamy, seeking counseling can be a crucial step in finding clarity and support. These relationships can be fulfilling but also complex, and it’s okay to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. In counseling, you’ll have a safe space to explore your feelings, communicate your needs, and navigate challenges without judgment. Remember, your relationship choices are valid, and reaching out for help shows your commitment to understanding and nurturing your connections.

  • Struggling with cultural identity and cultural adjustment can be challenging, as you navigate the complexities of adapting to a new culture while maintaining your own identity. Seeking counseling is a valuable step in this process, and I’m here to support you in understanding and managing these transitions. Together, we can explore your experiences, address any feelings of isolation or confusion, and help you find a balance that honors both your cultural heritage and your new environment.

  • Navigating the immigration and asylum process can be incredibly challenging and stressful, and seeking counseling is a valuable step toward finding support and clarity. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll this journey can take. In counseling, you’ll find a compassionate space to discuss your fears, anxieties, and hopes, and receive guidance to help you cope with the process. Your experiences and struggles are valid, and reaching out for help demonstrates your strength and resilience as you work toward a brighter future.

  • If you’re struggling with language barriers as a Spanish monolingual speaker and seeking counseling, it's important to know that help is available and you are not alone. Finding a counselor who speaks Spanish can make a significant difference, allowing you to express yourself fully and receive the support you need. Counseling is a safe space to address your concerns, and overcoming language barriers is just one step in the journey towards understanding and healing. Your efforts to seek help are commendable, and there are resources and professionals ready to support you in your preferred language.

  • Seeking counseling to address cultural, religious, and political trauma is a courageous and essential step toward healing. These experiences can deeply impact your well-being, and it’s important to have a supportive space to process and understand them. In counseling, you’ll find a compassionate environment where you can explore your experiences, express your feelings, and work through the trauma at your own pace. Your struggles are valid, and seeking help shows your strength and commitment to finding healing and peace.

Counseling Meant for You!

Here, you can share your story without fear of judgment. Let your journey unfold in a place of warmth and understanding, created just for you. Embrace your unique path. I’m here to support you every step of the way.