Ms. Stephanie Garcia

LPC

My practice is rooted in sharing how our connections to our bodies, nature, and community can support us in the healing process. This knowledge that has been shared with me has illuminated my path and has enriched and expanded my training in traditional western psychology. Throughout my career of over a decade, I have worked in various settings and communities throughout the country. I believe mental health is prevention and community medicine and as such, should be accessible to everyone. With this in mind, I work hard to create a space of inclusivity in my work.

I have found that often folks come in and report they are fearful about things such as experiencing a breakup or feeling difficult emotions. As we get curious about this, I notice that underlying this is often the question of, If x happens, or I allow my self to feel x, am I going to be o.k.? I think a lot of work in therapy is related to growing our capacity to be with pain and our experiences. Life and relationships will inevitably ask us to be able to be present with discomfort, and if we can grow our capacity to be with this, we can move through life with more resiliency, presence, and empowerment. At the same time it is also important to grow our capacity to be with joy and ease, which sometimes folks find more difficult to do than being with discomfort.

I love being able to take my in person therapy sessions into the great outdoors. There is so much healing and grounding that nature provides. It can also be helpful for folks to get the medicine that being in an outdoor space naturally gives us such as sunshine and being surrounded by community if they are feeling depressed or low. I find that sometimes therapy can feel intimidating and being in a therapy office can feel a bit sterile. Walk and talk therapy can shift this experience by making the process less formal and more inviting. Outdoor therapy is not for everyone but if you are curious about it, I would love to explore this with you!