Brief Bio:
I began my work in the mental health profession in 1999 as a paraprofessional in the school system working with adolescents that had been deemed “severely emotional and behaviorally disordered”. I then went back to school obtaining a Masters degree in experimental psychology. After this I worked as a Behavior Analyst in a Georgia state psychiatric hospital. After developing a deep appreciation for how beneficial therapeutic relationships could be for even the most extreme and chronic mental health concerns I decided to complete my education with a Doctorate in clinical psychology.
A Bit About My Style:
I work from a place of non-judgment and authenticity. I have found that this approach generates feelings of mutual trust and motivation in which clients can pursue their goals in a genuine manner.
My approach to therapy is integrative with a heavy reliance on client-centered methods. From the first interview my primary goal is to meet you where you are. My therapeutic orientation and direction is guided by empirical literature as well as your personality, culture, and individual goals. Existential-humanistic philosophy and techniques influence my work and are woven deeply into the fabric of my personal philosophy. I also draw from mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral frameworks.
I specialize in identity development in its many forms. This includes gender and sexual minority, religious/spiritual, and cultural identity. In addition, the big questions that we all face concerning the meaning and meaninglessness of life, isolation and belongingness, our personal responsibility and freedom, the inevitability of our death and grief over the death of others are areas that may be covered through our work together. Regardless of your presenting concern the ultimate goal in therapy is for you to achieve balance in your life and in yourself. This often begins with the management of symptoms that can range from depression, anxiety, phobias, or other forms of emotional instability that may interfere with healing on deeper, more sustainable, levels.
I have found that many clients, at varying levels of readiness to change, respond well to mindfulness training because it is a practical and immediately useful tool to help resolve conflict, increase decision making skills, and navigate stress. I understanding that “mindfulness” has become a pop culture catch phrase. My perspective on mindfulness is deeply rooted in its spiritual, cultural, and historical lineage. These important aspects of the practice are not neglected in my understanding or mindfulness instruction.
Whether you feel I am a good therapeutic fit for you, or not, I thank you for taking the time to look at my bio and I wish you well on your journey.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder
VA Psychologist 0810005884
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Joseph Garcia. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr. Garcia is helping me deal with my psychological issues. I am going through a significant and challenging time of life. Dr. Garcia completely understands my problems of identity crisis after leaving my country and religion and my struggles with ADHD, GAD, and depression. I have improved a lot after I started talking to him. I believe he will keep helping me in the future. His support means a lot to me.
Written on Oct 03, 2018 after therapy with Joseph for 7 months on issues concerning self esteem, and career difficulties
Dr Garcia has been a fantastic counsellor. He's so patient and understanding and truly a great person. His expertise is excellent.
Written on Jun 30, 2018 after therapy with Joseph for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, sleeping, self esteem, and career
Dr. Garcia is very professional and supportive. His "hands on" approach has been tremendously helpful and the sessions have given useful tools to deal with my issues.
Written on Jun 26, 2018 after therapy with Joseph for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship
I really enjoy working with Joseph, he’s definitely a wonderful councillor :)
Written on Mar 15, 2018 after therapy with Joseph for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, and anger
Dr. Garcia has been a breath of fresh air. His skills were strong and clear from the first conversation, I haven't felt this hopeful and understood ever in my life. His thoughtful and profound insights, suggestions, questions, and kind, non judgemental responses have made an immediate and direct affect on my mental well being and on my relationship. I'm so incredibly thankful I made the decision to use BetterHelp and was lucky enough to choose Dr. Garcia. I wont be stopping any time soon, he's absolutely amazing.
Written on Mar 14, 2018 after therapy with Joseph for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, eating, sleeping, self esteem, and anger
I'm so happy I was connected with Dr. Garcia. He listened to me so patiently and challenged me to think differently about the issues I wanted to discuss. He asked thought-provoking questions and didn't bother with surface level conversation. I really feel Dr. Garcia helped me find a better and healthier emotional space.
Written on Mar 10, 2018 after therapy with Joseph for 6 days on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, and intimacy-related