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Hi! My name is John Garcia and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Orange County, CA. I seek to help support individuals through the process of improving mental health, addressing difficulties, and adjusting to life changes and crises. My philosophy is that no single approach is the right one for every individual. I pride myself in blending elements from different approaches and tailoring treatment according to each client's needs.
My approach
When we experience severe trauma or stress, our lives can start to collapse into a day-to-day struggle. Our normal coping mechanisms and our support systems can start to fail or no longer be enough to help pull us through difficult times. I strive to help my clients make positive changes through the use of different modalities that help bring healing to people going through difficult times. I focus my therapy on helping my clients work through their own unique barriers and untangle patterns of behavior that are preventing them from discovering their own solutions.
My focus
I have experience working with English and Spanish-speaking individuals, couples, and families. I focus on working with clients who are going through relationship problems, who have been impacted by trauma, suffer from anxiety, and are seeking ways to better their lives and break down old patterns.
My communication style
My communication style varies based on the client's background, culture, and personality. I also have a clear understanding that communication is situational and is impacted by role adaptations, their environment, and personal stressors. I practice active listening, offering empathy, maintaining a non-judgemental attitude, displaying patience, validating the client's experiences and feelings, and utilizing appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. My ultimate goal is to cultivate a successful therapeutic relationship where I can connect with the client and build a strong sense of understanding to better assist them and enable them to make progress.
My journey to mental healthcare
I became a psychotherapist because I find that helping people work through their problems and feel better about themselves and their lives is rewarding and meaningful. The ability to understand oneself and others always piqued my interest. I appreciate the authentic interactions I have with clients throughout sessions while witnessing them improve their quality of life.
My goals for you
When approaching goal setting, I initially encourage clients to imagine a desired outcome and to set clear, measurable, achievable, and flexible goals that will help them get to that outcome. I assess the client's symptoms, taking into account their strengths and skills, and create an action plan to help them along the process. Together we identify and practice strategies that shift the client toward their goals, with visible progress and positive change.
My first session with you
During the first session with me, I focus more on getting to know each other to establish if I am a good fit for the client and if I suit their needs. We review what they want to accomplish and how they believe therapy will assist them in this process. During this time we will review some pertinent background information and the submitted questionnaire. I will share my initial plan and answer any questions or concerns the client may have.
