Often rebooked
I’m Joyce Malissa Garcia, Ed.S., LMHC (FL), LPC (CT), a licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, integrating cognitive-behavioral, attachment-based, and mindfulness techniques. For clients who desire it, I offer a Christian faith-based perspective to support emotional and spiritual growth. Together, we’ll work toward greater peace, purpose, and connection
Our first session is a time for us to get to know one another and begin understanding your goals for therapy. I’ll ask questions about what brings you to counseling, your background, and what you hope to gain from our work together. We’ll go at your pace—there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. This session also gives you the chance to ask questions and see if my approach feels like a good fit for you. By the end, we’ll start identifying your goals and creating a plan to guide our sessions moving forward.
My greatest strengths as a therapist are creating a safe, non-judgmental space and helping clients feel genuinely understood. I combine compassion with evidence-based techniques to help clients move from surviving to thriving. My approach integrates trauma-informed care, attachment-based work, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to foster healing and growth. For clients who desire it, I also bring a Christian faith-based perspective to support whole-person well-being.
I am best positioned to serve adolescents, young adults, and adults who are navigating the lasting impact of trauma, childhood abuse, neglect, or unstable early relationships. Many of my clients feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, emotional overwhelm, people-pleasing, anger, or difficulty trusting themselves and others. Some are high functioning on the outside but feel disconnected, exhausted, or spiritually distant on the inside. I work especially well with clients who are ready to understand the “why” behind their patterns and are open to doing deeper emotional and attachment work, not just symptom management. This includes individuals working through substance use recovery, relationship challenges, identity struggles, or unresolved grief. My clients often want more than coping skills—they want healing, stability, and a stronger sense of self. For those who desire it, I also integrate faith-based support to help rebuild a sense of safety, meaning, and connection in their spiritual life. I provide a grounded, compassionate space where clients can process pain, build emotional regulation skills, and move toward healthier relationships—with others, themselves, and, when desired, with God.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I create a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Grounded in empathy and unconditional positive regard, I view each person as the expert in their own life. My role is to guide and empower you toward self-awareness, confidence, and healing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience providing trauma-informed therapy for individuals recovering from childhood abuse, complex trauma, and relational wounds. My approach emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment, helping clients understand how trauma affects their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. I integrate evidence-based methods such as CBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based interventions to foster healing and resilience at your own pace.
Trauma Informed Care
I provide a safe, compassionate space for healing from past trauma. My approach emphasizes trust, empowerment, and understanding how trauma impacts emotions, relationships, and daily life. Together, we build resilience and restore a sense of safety and control.
Psychoeducation
Providing psychoeducation can help a client understand their diagnosis, behaviors, coping skills, and interventions that can decrease mental health ir substance abuse symptoms.
Christian Counseling
For clients who desire a Christian perspective, I integrate faith and evidence-based techniques to support emotional, relational, and spiritual healing in a compassionate and respectful way.