New to Grow
My name is Ana-Alicia Garcia and I have been working as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland for 3 years. I graduated from Michigan State University to pursue a career to help people. I am someone who believes in finding ways to guide clients to the best version of themselves, blasting through the barriers and strengthening resolve. While my experience is primarily working with people involved in the correctional setting to address addictive and criminal behaviors, I have have a strong desire to assist those in the community with the challenges they face in daily life. I want to make sure those who experience anxiety, depression, indecision, tough adjustment to life changes, and difficulties in relationships all have a place to receive support and guidance toward a better path in their lives.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and what goals you wish to accomplish. Sometimes clients don't have a clue what the end game is, but they recognize the desire to change something within themselves- If that is where you are at, congratulations on taking the first step! I realize it takes time to earn trust and understanding; I will challenge you but also meet you where you are at. Therapy can be intimidating, but I strive to create a comfortable environment and safe place where you can feel progressive growth in your life and how you feel about yourself.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have significant experience working with those who have been involved in the legal system and addictive behaviors. This has allowed me to learn how important decision-making, clarity of mind, clear boundaries, and self-care are to each and every one of us. My approach is combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) to challenge behaviors and irrational thought patterns that have prevented you from reaching your goals and replacing them with more productive ones. You'll hear me say that "You must Identify to Acknowledge"- meaning you must know the problem behavior/thought before you can ever address it in a positive way. My clients learn tools to consistently consider alternative scenarios and outcomes in challenging situations that make them less intimidating. I also encourage Mindfulness-Based Practices to self-sooth and better manage stressors that come with the work toward change. With practice, my clients find fewer barriers to their success and more confidence to create a more balanced life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with adults who are interested in pursuing a more positive outlook on their live and their role in relationships. My primary goal is to identify the direction my clients might hesitate to go toward and bring them closer to reaching that finish line. Whether it is to address boundary concerns with others, personal beliefs about yourself, or old habits you want to change, I am here to explore those options and help you to achieve those changes. I will work alongside you in that space of uncertainty we all have in our minds, developing your confidence to try a different approach to making your present life feel more aligned with your desired future.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I bring extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors work together—and how small shifts can lead to meaningful, lasting change. My background includes providing therapy in a jail-based setting, where I’ve supported individuals in navigating addictive behaviors, impulsivity, and patterns that no longer serve them. This experience has strengthened my ability to help clients build insight, develop practical coping skills, and create healthier ways of thinking. In individual therapy, I use CBT to help you identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge what no longer aligns with your goals, and replace it with tools that support balance, confidence, and emotional well-being. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and nonjudgmental, focused on helping you create real, sustainable progress. I am here to meet you where you are at and help facilitate where you want to be.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients clarify their goals, explore ambivalence, and strengthen their own motivation for change. My experience working with justice-involved individuals has sharpened my ability to meet people where they are and create a nonjudgmental, collaborative space. In individual therapy, MI helps you identify what truly matters to you and take confident, meaningful steps toward the changes you want to make in your work, relationships, decisions, and self.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based therapy to help clients develop greater awareness, reduce stress, and feel more grounded in their daily lives. Through gentle, practical techniques, we work together to build skills for noticing thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. Mindfulness can create space for calmer responses, clearer decision-making, and a deeper sense of balance. In individual therapy, we will explore these tools in a supportive and collaborative way, finding what works and what doesn't to keep stressors at bay.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
I use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help clients understand how deeply held beliefs shape their emotional responses and daily choices. Together, we identify unhelpful beliefs, explore where they come from, and replace them with more balanced, compassionate, and effective ways of thinking. REBT offers practical tools for reducing emotional distress, strengthening coping skills, and creating healthier patterns in everyday life. My approach involves open communication, helping you build insight for a more balanced and fulfilling life.