Get to Know Our Team: Monica Garcia

Background and Personal Story

I always knew I wanted to help people in some capacity, and after breaking my arm as a kid and needing surgery, I always thought I was going to be a surgeon. After my first psychology class in undergrad, I was sold on being a therapist after watching how powerful it could be. I will say, the fact that it didn’t involve blood made me extremely happy!

When I think of what I would tell my younger self, well, that would definitely be more than one thing. But the one I think would be the most impactful would be to not be afraid of expressing my feelings and to be more vulnerable. I have seen how much vulnerability has impacted my life since I found the courage to start being vulnerable with myself and others, and I just wish I had been able to have this courage when I was younger.

Therapy Style and Approach

One of my favorite parts of the therapeutic process is sitting with my clients in whatever they are sharing, and then seeing their faces light up and hearing their feelings when they notice their growth – kind of like seeing that invisible lightbulb go off!

When I talk to my friends about how I approach therapy with my clients, I tell them that I love to collaborate with clients while making them feel safe through building rapport. I also tell them I love to challenge my clients because I think it allows for self-reflection and growth.

Human Side

If I could live off the grid and still do therapy, that would be the most ideal for me. Nature
grounds me the most! I love going on hikes where all I hear are birds chirping, the wind rustling through the trees, and the branches snapping under my feet. Walking among the elements that have been there for so long before me gives me perspective and allows me to be fully present with myself. Other than hiking, being in any body of water in nature calms me and allows all the weight of life to fall away as I become weightless in the water.

My favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday is with my favorite people, eating my favorite food, and binge-watching my favorite shows or movies. I will say I love a good reality TV show because it allows me to momentarily distract myself from my own reality.

Values and Personality

Transparency is one of the most important values I try to live by – not only with others, but most importantly with myself. When I am transparent with myself, I am able to truly process what is going on in my life, allowing me to show up as my best self.

Being successful outside of work is super important to me, as work is not the only part of my life that defines me. Meeting my goals, both small and big, continuing to foster my relationships with family and friends, and staying on top of my mental and physical health help me feel successful in my life outside of work.

Fun and Lighthearted

If I had to eat only one type of food for the rest of my life… well, that would be extremely hard because I try to eat food from around the world on a weekly basis. But if I had to choose, it would be Latin food. That way, I could enjoy food from so many different countries while still staying within the “one type of food” guideline.

Teleportation would be my superpower! Being able to travel all over the world whenever I wanted would be so awesome. I also think that being able to avoid the headaches of airports would be such a great perk – just being able to pop over by snapping my fingers to wherever my heart wanted to be at that moment.