Christy Garcia

Online & In-Person

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

San Diego, California

License 113176

http://www.chulavistacounseling.com/

About Christy

I work with adult survivors of early childhood trauma. I also work with people who suffer from generalized anxiety such as over-thinking and inability to control worry. Lastly I help people who are dealing with mild to moderate depression and have experienced grief and loss, low self-esteem, or lack of motivation.

Office Location

2525 Camino Del Rio, S

San Diego, California 92108

Get Directions

Costs and Insurance

$130 per session

Sliding Scale

Out of Pocket

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

During college I developed a passion for people who are struggling. I found myself wanting to sit with my friends who were going through hard times and offer my support. Friends would often comment on what a good listener I am. Additionally, I began experiencing panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD during my sophomore year. I benefitted greatly from my own individual therapy. Through that experience I developed a desire to assist others in gaining wholeness and transformation in their lives. What motivates me to continue as a therapist is seeing clients experience restoration in their lives.

For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?

I know it can be scary to share intimate details about yourself to a stranger! Therapy is a safe place to open up without worrying about being judged for how you're feeling and what you've been dealing with. You've probably been quietly struggling for awhile trying to deal with your issues on your own. Maybe you feel stuck and don't know how to move forward. Therapy is one of the best investments you can make into yourself! It's a place to become whole again.

Why is trauma processing important?

Trauma can be very difficult to move past. Often it get stuck, not only in our memories and emotions, but also in the body. There can be times when a person has a physiological reaction, such as a panic attack, that seemingly comes out of nowhere. This can leave a person feeling helpless and powerless to control their circumstances. These symptoms can interfere for normal functioning or relationships. This is why it's important to face traumatic events and learn about how trauma affects not only the mind (memories, emotions and thoughts), but also the body. Dealing with trauma can feel like a daunting task. I don't treat this issue lightly. I don't force clients to dive into their trauma when they're not ready. Rather, I educate my clients about what trauma is, how it affects someone, why it causes people to suffer in the way that it does and what they can do about it. Then, once you've developed some coping skills to manage the distressing feelings and reactions, you will feel more confident processing the traumatic memories in an appropriate way.

What should people thinking about working with you, know about you?

As a person-centered clinician, my goal is to come alongside you and assist you in accomplishing your goals. While I will serve as your guide and gently nudge or challenge you as you grow, and also offer insight, encouragement and tools to help you move forward, I want you to know that YOU are the expert in your own well-being. I value your feedback on how you're doing. Your opinions matter to me. If we're not focusing on what you originally intended to work on, I want to know that. It's important to me that we're making the most out of your time in therapy so you're benefitting and don't feel like you're spinning your wheels or wasting time/money.

What does a typical session with you tend to look like?

I set aside a weekly appointment that's reserved just for you. Each week we'll focus on the goals that were established during your initial session. Often, I'll check in with you at the beginning of your session to find out what you'd like to discuss. Or, I may pick up where we left off from our last session. I may reflect on what you shared, ask clarifying questions, or teach coping skills to assist you in growing and accomplishing your goals. Ultimately, this is your time, therefore it's important to me that we're focusing on what you'd like to work on. I value your input so we can make sure you're on the right track and making the most out of your time.

Interested in talking?

(619) 494-0754