Gayle Garcia, LPC, CCTP

Trauma Psychotherapist

The outside world sees the capable mask you wear, but inside you are constantly preoccupied with not feeling good enough. You wonder if you really belong anywhere in your life, and if others are just putting up with you. The trance of unworthiness haunts every area of your life: your worth, work, your relationships, parenting, and your body. It’s impossible to feel you’re loveable given all your flaws. It’s exhausting being trapped in your own self-hatred and you have tried putting on a happy face, fad diets, and bending to everyone else’s needs–and nothing has worked. There is a longing to feel seen, heard, and understood for exactly who you are–but the shame prevents the authentic connection you’re so deeply craving with yourself and those around you. The reason why you keep going is because there is a small ember of hope in you that knows that things can be different, but you’re unsure of how to get there.

Life can be brutal. That’s the truth. I also believe that we can do hard things. We can show up and be present to the pain of our life. We can be authentic and vulnerable even when it is scary. We can face hardships when we feel supported, loved, and valued. You can feel confident, grounded, and compassionate towards your whole self so the rough patches aren’t so rough. That’s what I hope for you in your life journey, that you believe in yourself, and furthermore you can holistically accept yourself. 

I know your wisdom will direct us where we will need to explore, and teach us both about how your body, mind, and spirit can navigate transformation. While you will always be in the driver’s seat, I will also be here as a guide so you can trust you are on the path towards your goals. Our work together will be a collaboration, honoring your unique experiences and the guidance and tools I offer. I value an identity-affirming and social justice perspective in therapy because we are not separate from the systems we are embedded in. I enjoy inviting in alternative and creative therapies, to help support your body in navigating change. Although we will thoughtfully and deliberately explore your pain, we will also invite humor, silliness, and fun as these are an important part of healing.  

I want to be a part of your healing journey and be one of your supporters, encouraging you to meet your mental health and wellness goals. Trust is foundational in healing and creating change.  With trust and safety, we can explore the deep wounds that you carry and learn how to unburden them. When you can honor your experiences, we can transform the pain of anxiety, perfectionism, and societal pressures into confidence, self-awareness, authenticity, and self-compassion. 

Gayle Garcia, LPC, (she/her) received her master's degree in clinical mental health from Western Michigan University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Gayle is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Gayle has experience working with all ages and is a gender-affirming, culturally sensitive, and disability advocating clinician. Her experience has been in inpatient and intensive outpatient settings, elementary schools, college campuses, community mental health, and private practice. She incorporates somatic modalities and breathwork, focusing on connecting mind and body. In her free time, she loves being with her husband and her 2-year-old twins. She enjoys reading, baking, watching TV shows and movies, laughing with friends, and taking grounding walks.

Populations Served: Teens 15+ & Adults of All Ages

Areas of Interest and Expertise:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma, PTSD, and Complex Trauma

  • ADHD

  • Parenting/Parenthood

  • Attachment Issues

  • Dissociation

  • Assertiveness Skills/Boundaries

  • People Pleasing/Codependency

  • Relationship Issues

  • LBGTQIA+

  • Suicidality

  • Self-harm

  • Neurodiversity

  • Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Teen Issues

  • Infertility/Fertility

  • Body image 

  • Self-worth/Self-Concept

  • Personality disorders

  • Stress management

  • Frustration/Agitation

 
 
Gayle Garcia, LMSW, CCTP, trauma therapist, parenting, infertility,
 

Insurances Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield (Spring 2025)
Blue Care Network (Spring 2025)
Aetna