Alena Garcia, MA, LPC
Hi, my name is Alena. Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit more about me. I was born and raised in Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico. I grew up in a small, tight-knit community where English was my 2ndlanguage. I moved to Arizona in 2016. Arizona is a very beautiful, active state where I find myself enjoying my free time by discovering the next best food spot as well as attending concerts and traveling when possible.
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of New Mexico. Following a career in the financial sector I received my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
While attending graduate school, during my internship, I worked with a domestic violence agency. I provided support to victims of violence and court order attendees of the offender programs. I have been working in the field of counseling professionally since 2016, when I started working with children and families. I do not practice from one set therapeutic approach, as I feel each experience is unique in nature. That being said, I am trained in (and often find myself using) CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
My strength and expertise lies in treating those who suffer with depression, anxiety, phase of life issues, and understanding personal identity. I identify as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ population and have extensive experience in working with teens and young adults.
Working in community behavioral health for a large part of my career has taught me to practice from a judgement-free space full of empathy and understanding. My goal in treatment is to meet you where you are and to support you in whatever way you need. I will provide a space to allow you to learn to enrich your life and work toward your goals. My commitment to you is work alongside you in a supportive, enriching, and safe space.
It would be my pleasure and honor to help guide you through your journey.
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Expertise
Depression
LGBTQIA+ / Personal Identity
LGBTQIA+ / Personal Identity
Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors from life events to genetics. Common symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, lack of motivation, change in mood, change in sleep patterns (increased/decreased), and lack of energy.
Those suffering from feelings of depression often feel that they must suffer in silence and that they do not want to burden others with their “problems.” You do not need to carry the weight of these thoughts and feelings alone. I am prepared to help you fight through these thoughts and feelings.
Each person’s story is unique and their journey to a better self is unique. I wish to help you feel happier, calmer, and feel heard. I will work with you to learn the needed skills to continue to face the unpredictable nature of our daily lives.
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.”
-Laurell K. Hamilton, Mistral's Kiss
LGBTQIA+ / Personal Identity
LGBTQIA+ / Personal Identity
LGBTQIA+ / Personal Identity
“Personal Identity” holds different meaning for each individual and the experience that comes with self-discovery can be overwhelming for many. When someone wishes to live an authentic life different from the expectations put upon us by society, family, or friends it can sometimes feel isolating. Those who are unable to live authentically often describe suffering from feelings of shame, guilt, fear, feeling of being an imposter, anxiety, and depression.
My pronouns are She| Her| Hers|
I am not only LGBTQIA+ friendly but also part of the community. I offer a safe place and safe space for you.
Seeing a trained professional therapist can improve or reduce the burden and struggles you may be facing. Often times the issues faced being part of the LGBTQIA+ community are further impacted by an individual's sexual identity. I wish to lend support to you to address depression, anxiety, and any other life transition issues.
Seeking support does not mean that you bear a weakness, whether you see a therapist or seek support for individual, or family therapy. An LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist can support you as you explore yourself, relationships, marriage, communication, and as you reflect and create goals to help you live a more satisfying life.
Personal identity is a part of many aspects of our lives, such as our gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, career, and more. As an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community I respectfully understand some of the feelings of self-discovery. I wish to support you with identifying what you need during this delicate time in your life. I will offer you a safe, judgement free zone to discover who you are and what you need.
"They
This person I know
Wants to be called a they.
It could bring us much closer
To see them that way.
It’s a strange thing to think
And harder to say,
But they is so happy
When the effort is made.
For all the theys and thems
It is this that I pray,
We be kind and accepting
And just let them be they."
-S.R. Vittone
Anxiety
LGBTQIA+ / Personal Identity
Anxiety
Anxiety can be a crippling experience that many do not understand. Those who suffer from anxiety have often described feelings of intense worry, fear, and intrusive thoughts. Some individuals report physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dizziness, and upset stomach.
The debilitating feelings associated with anxiety do not need to prevent you from accomplishing your goals and living your life. I wish to help you learn and understand your triggers, while helping you remain present. I will guide you in exploring past experiences you may be hanging onto or future thoughts and beliefs by which you are feeling consumed. Together we will learn how to reduce and manage the anxiety.
“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”
-Dan Millman