Christy Garcia, LMFT

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re tired of feeling like you have to hold it all together. Maybe you’ve tried to push past the pain, distract yourself from the memories, or keep your faith strong through prayer alone, but it still feels like something is missing. Life wasn’t supposed to feel this heavy. As a therapist in Chula Vista, I help adults find relief from the emotional weight of trauma, grief, and faith-related struggles. You don’t have to keep pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Therapy can help you feel grounded again—more like yourself, and more connected to the peace you’ve been longing for. WHEN THE PAST STILL HURTS: TRAUMA THERAPY IN CHULA VISTA You find yourself alone with your thoughts, struggling to escape the memories from your past. Maybe it’s that one moment that keeps replaying in your mind, or the anger that comes every time it surfaces. You’ve tried everything to make it go away, but nothing seems to help. You may feel anxious, sad, or even ashamed for still being affected by what happened years ago. You tell yourself to just move on, but the truth is, you can’t heal what you haven’t been able to face safely. That’s where trauma therapy can help. Together, we’ll work to make sense of what happened and learn new ways to calm your body and mind. In addition to talking about what's going on, I integrate mindfulness, guided meditation, and relaxation skills into our sessions so you can start experiencing peace again. Healing from trauma isn’t about rushing or reliving painful memories before you’re ready. It’s about rebuilding your sense of safety and control, one small step at a time. My role is to walk beside you and help you find your way back to yourself. FINDING PURPOSE AFTER LOSS: GRIEF COUNSELING IN SAN DIEGO Grief has a way of making everything feel meaningless. Some days, you get through your routine and manage to smile at a friend. Other days, you can barely get out of bed. The emptiness feels endless, and even though time passes, the ache doesn’t seem to fade. Grief counseling in San Diego offers a compassionate space to explore your pain without judgment. We’ll name the losses that have shaped you—whether it’s the death of a loved one, a broken relationship, infertility, or the loss of health or a dream. In our sessions, we’ll create space for all of it—the sadness, anger, confusion, and numbness—while slowly helping you rebuild a sense of purpose. You’ll learn grounding techniques and daily rituals that make life feel a little more bearable, even on the hardest days. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to carry your grief differently, so it no longer carries you. FAITH AND HEALING: CHRISTIAN COUNSELING IN CHULA VISTA If you’ve ever been told to “pray harder” or “just have more faith,” and it left you feeling guilty or unseen, you’re not alone. As a Christian counselor in Chula Vista, I understand how painful it can be to feel torn between your faith and your mental health needs. You may have wondered if seeking therapy means you’re not trusting God enough. The truth is, reaching out for help is an act of courage and faith. It’s choosing to heal with God’s guidance, rather than trying to do it all alone. In our sessions, we’ll integrate your faith in a way that feels genuine to you. I help clients explore how their beliefs intersect with their pain, gently untangling shame or toxic messages that may have left emotional scars. My goal is to create a space where your spiritual life and emotional healing can work together. And if you’re not sure how faith fits into your therapy right now, that’s okay too. You’re welcome here, exactly as you are. WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK TOGETHER Therapy isn’t about fixing you because you’re not broken. It’s about understanding what happened to you and helping you move toward healing and wholeness. During our sessions, you can expect warmth, honesty, and care. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you. Whether you need time to open up or prefer to dive right into learning new coping skills, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from themselves. Over time, they begin to notice subtle shifts—more emotional stability, moments of peace, better sleep, or a sense of clarity they haven’t felt in years. Healing isn’t instant, but it is possible. ABOUT ME Hi, I’m Christy. For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients heal from trauma, grief, and faith-based struggles. My approach is holistic, focusing on the mind, body, and soul. I believe in creating a supportive environment where you feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. I often integrate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into my sessions so you can carry calm and clarity with you beyond our time together. My faith guides my compassion, but I welcome people of all beliefs and backgrounds. My goal is to help you find freedom from emotional pain and reconnect with what matters most to you. When you work with me, you can expect a therapist who listens deeply, honors your story, and walks beside you as you rediscover hope and peace. THERAPY SERVICES OFFERED - Christian Counseling and Faith Integration - Grief Counseling - Trauma Therapy for Adults & EMDR Each service is designed to meet you where you are, helping you gain insight, learn effective coping tools, and find a renewed sense of meaning. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long does therapy take? It depends on your needs and goals. Some clients find relief in a few months, while others continue longer for deeper healing. We’ll decide together what’s best for you. Do you offer in-person therapy or online counseling? Yes, I offer both. I see clients in-person at my office in Chula Vista on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. I offer online counseling for California residents on Wednesdays at Fridays. What can I expect in the first session? The first session is about getting to know you. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and what has or hasn’t worked for you before. Do I need to talk about my trauma right away? No. We move at your pace. You’ll never be pushed to share more than you’re ready for. Can I include my faith in therapy? Absolutely. For clients who want faith integration, I tailor sessions to reflect your values and spiritual beliefs. What if I’m not religious? That’s completely okay. My approach is client-centered, meaning therapy is guided by your beliefs, not mine. How much does therapy cost? We’ll discuss rates and scheduling during your consultation. I’ll also help you understand your insurance or reimbursement options if applicable. What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help? That’s a common concern. Every therapist is different. My approach is relational, gentle, and focused on helping you feel safe enough to heal. Do you work with couples or families? My primary focus is individual therapy for adults, but I can provide referrals for couples or family therapy if needed. What if I’m nervous about starting therapy? That’s completely normal. Many clients feel anxious before the first session. We’ll take it slow, and I’ll do my best to make sure you feel comfortable. START YOUR HEALING JOURNEY TODAY You don’t have to keep living with the weight of pain, grief, or self-doubt. Healing starts with one small step. If you’re ready to feel calmer, more hopeful, and more connected to yourself, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll talk about what’s been happening, answer your questions, and see how I can best support you. Click on the "contact" button to schedule your consultation today. You deserve peace. Let’s begin your healing journey together.