Lauren Garcia (she/her)
Associate Clinical Social Worker #112910
Supervised by Mona Tahsini, LMFT #49806
CLINICAL APPROACH
Most of us are better at helping others. When we see someone struggling, it’s easy to extend compassion and help. However, many of us who are great at helping others struggle to give that same energy back to ourselves. I know how challenging it can be to ask for help, and I want you to know that you don't have to wait until rock bottom to reach out.
Theoretical Orientation
I practice from a client centered, holistic, and strength-based approach. My priority is to always meet clients where they're at. No pressure, no expectations. My objective is to collaborate, assist, and work at a pace that feels as comfortable as possible. You can always count on me to be warm, genuine, and personable.
My experience and interests as a therapist are broad. I decided to become a therapist because I wanted to work with teens and families but have enjoyed working with adults and couples as well. I have a lot of passion for those experiencing or affected by substance abuse, family conflict, relationship issues, low self-esteem/self-confidence, bullying, and abuse (physical, emotional, sexual).
ABOUT ME
My passion for this work is my greatest asset. I became a therapist because of my own struggles as a teenager—I wanted to become the person for others that I needed when I was a teen. As a therapist, I feel an immense sense of gratitude to have the opportunity to stand alongside, assist, and empower clients as they move and work through their own personal struggles.
I deeply value independence and authenticity. It brings me great joy to see others be vulnerable in the pursuit of their goals. It inspires me to witness others take risks and fearlessly be themselves during the process.
In my time away from work you can find me hiking, on a road trip or traveling, exploring a new place, creating jewelry, dancing, or watching live music. I consider myself a well-rounded person who is constantly seeking growth and new experiences.
SERVICES I OFFER
In-person & virtual sessions for:
Relationship Therapy
Parent Support Therapy
Individual Therapy (Teens & Adults)
Family Therapy
THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES & PRACTICES I USE
Gottman Couples Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Non-Violent Communication
Person-Centered Therapy
Play Therapy
Relational Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Art Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trauma-informed)
Crisis Intervention
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Existential Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
SPECIALTIES
Interpersonal effectiveness
Meditation/Mindfulness
Relationship issues
Self-esteem/self confidence
Substance abuse and the family impact
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
Bullying
Codependency
Communication
Family Conflict
AREAS OF CONCERN I WORK WITH
Illness Within the Family
Impulsivity
Infidelity/Cheating
Learning Difficulties
LGBTQ+ Concerns (Anxiety, Coming Out, Depression, Discrimination from Family/Friends/Community, Gender Dysphoria, Gender Identity Exploration, Gender Incongruence, Interpersonal Connections, Parenting, Romantic Relationships, Sexual Orientation Exploration, Transitioning)
Life Transitions
Loneliness
Neglect
Oppositional & Defiant Behaviors
Parenting Issues
Perfectionism
Pessimism
Phobias
Procrastination & Motivation
PTSD
Relationship Problems
School Avoidance
Self-Esteem
Self-Harm
Sensitivity To Rejection & Criticism
Sexual Assault (Survivor)
Shyness
Social Skills
Spiritual & Religious Issues
Stress & Stress Management
Substance Use
Suicide (Attempted & Ideation)
Trauma
Trust Issues
Video Game Addiction
Abandonment
Abuse (Emotional, Verbal, Physical) (Offender)
Abuse (Emotional, Verbal, Physical, Sexual) (Survivor)
Academic Problems
Acting Out Behaviors
Adoption
Aging & Geriatric Concerns
Aggression/Violence (In Children, Teens & Adults)
Anger
Anxiety (Generalized, OCD, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social)
Attachment Issues
Attention Problems/ADHD
Autism Spectrum
Bipolar
Blended Families
Body Dysmorphia
Body Image
Bullied By Others
Bullies Others
Codependency
Communication Difficulties
Cultural Issues
Death
Depression
Depression (Seasonal)
Developmental Delays
Discrimination
Disordered Eating (ARFID, Binging, Orthorexia, OSFED, PICA, Purging, Restricting, Rumination)
Divorce (Supporting Children, Teens & Adults)
Domestic Violence
Family Conflict
Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Health & Medical Problems
Identity Exploration
* Areas of concern in bold are areas I'm particularly passionate about working with
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Education:
Master of Social Work, Boise State University
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Central Florida
Work Experience:
In-Home Teen and Family Coach at Teen Therapy Center (2023-Present)
Private practice therapist at Cornerstone Family Therapy, LLC. Provided individual, couples, and family therapy to a wide demographic of individuals experiencing a range of issues and mental health disorders. (2021-2022)
Inpatient substance use therapist at Northpoint Recovery. Facilitated individual and group therapy for those struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. (2020-2021)