Stephanie Garza
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the states of Texas and Florida. I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health support in a safe, non-judgmental space. My approach blends active listening with practical therapeutic techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals.
My approach blends active listening with practical therapeutic techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Whether you're navigating life transitions, managing stress, or seeking personal growth, I'm here to offer support and guidance on your journey toward greater well-being.
First session
In our first session together, I typically focus on getting to know you, develop an understanding of your current situation, and begin to build a supportive relationship.
Strengths
I truly listen to my clients, striving to understand your experiences and emotions without judgment. My ability to empathize with people allows me to connect deeply, making it easier for you to open up and feel heard and supported. I try to maintain a safe space where you will feel comfortable sharing even your most difficult or vulnerable thoughts. I believe that everyone’s situation is unique, and I approach each person I meet with understanding and respect, focusing on personal strengths and needs. *If you are looking for a specific time frame for therapy, don't hesitate to send me a message prior to booking. Although I do have limited availability, I will try my best to accommodate you if I can.*
Ideal clients
My ideal client may feel stuck, anxious, depressed, or lost, but they show up with a willingness to explore themselves—even when it’s uncomfortable. They do not need to have clear goals right away, just an openness to curiosity. This person understands that change doesn’t happen only in one-hour sessions. My ideal client may struggle to implement new skills or sit with feelings between sessions, but they’re willing to try small experiments—journaling, noticing patterns, pausing before reacting. They don’t expect instant solutions. They can hold contradictions: “I want to feel better, but part of me is scared to let go of this protective anger.” They’re not looking for me to “fix” them, but to collaborate.
Origin story
When I started my career in field of community mental health eight years ago, I found myself in many situations where I was forced to sit, often uncomfortably, in the raw, unvarnished reality of people's lives. I saw the staggering resilience of the human spirit not in spite of the illness, but often because of it. I think I started to slowly understand that I couldn't approach them as a mechanic of the mind, fixing broken parts. I instead learned to listen and become a witness. My role was to sit with them in their darkness, not to pull them out, but to let them know they weren't alone in it. I saw that healing didn't always mean a cure. Sometimes, it was simply finding a way to live a life of purpose and connection alongside the voices in one's head, or the crushing weight of depression. Becoming a therapist, for me, became less about a career choice and more of a calling born from that painful, beautiful, and humbling work. I was inspired by the courage of my clients, who showed me that the measure of a person is not found in the absence of struggle, but in their capacity to endure it and find a reason to continue. They taught me that the deepest healing happens in the space between two people, where one is brave enough to be truly seen and the other is willing to see them without judgement.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Using this treatment approach, I will be able to help you reshape distorted thinking patterns through structured, goal oriented interventions.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This approach is less about eliminating "negative" feelings and more about changing your relationship with them so you can live a rich and meaningful life.
Compassion-Focused
I utilize this method with individuals who struggle with high levels of self-criticism, shame, and feelings of inadequacy. Many people I work with come in with a harsh "inner critic" that constantly points out their flaws and mistakes. They often find it easy to be compassionate toward others but struggle tremendously to turn that same kindness inward. My role is to help you cultivate a compassionate self, which acts as an inner ally and a source of strength and comfort.
Mind-body approach
This approach is deeply holistic. I have significant experience guiding clients to harness the powerful, innate connection between their thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. Many of the clients I work with feel "stuck in their heads," experiencing anxiety, stress, or trauma that manifests not just emotionally, but physically—as chronic tension, digestive issues, fatigue, or pain. My role is to help you become a mindful observer of your own body's intelligence, using it as a gateway to healing and self-regulation.
Location
Virtual sessions