Meet Diana Garcia | Licensed Therapist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In the mental health field, going into Private Practice seems to be the “dream” but something you must work up to (or at least it was when I was in graduate school). Throughout my career in different work settings, I always had this thought in the back of my mind. I even dabbled with having a part-time practice while working full-time at other jobs, but that felt safe. In 2020, my full-time job was impacted by the pandemic, and it felt like the natural progression to give myself permission to go all in on my business. Even though it felt like the next step, I will say it was still scary to take that leap of faith in myself and my business.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m proud of all my different roles in my career, from Case Manager, Primary Therapist to Director of Counseling Services because each experience shaped me in one way or another. As a clinician, working with clients from diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns helped me grow as a therapist while being Director provided more managerial and administrative experience that helps me run my current business. I’ve learned that having a Private Practice is more than being a therapist; it involves being the CEO of a business and needing to wear multiple hats. Luckily I could access skill sets from all these different positions.
No, it wasn’t easy navigating different obstacles in my career, from questioning whether I wanted to stay in the field, getting laid off because my entire campus was closing down due to the pandemic, and alleviating financial anxiety about taking a risk by opening my practice. That’s to name a few that stand out. I navigated these challenges by leaning into the discomfort, seeking consistent support, and doing my own personal therapy to help me understand myself better. I learned that challenges will continue to present themselves, and sometimes different obstacles tap into the same fears. Ultimately, if I trust myself and lean into a willingness to feel the range of feelings as I’m making scary steps, it will work out one way or another, not painlessly, however.
I hope my practice inspires and encourages others to navigate their fears, setbacks, and hurdles. Whether that means being open to doing their work in a therapy room or any other way that encourages self-awareness. And, most importantly, taking the action that follows self-awareness.
That is what helped me say yes to and commit to my latest career venture: writing a book! My book: Negative Thoughts Happen: How to Find Your Inner Ally When Your Inner Critic Shows Up, is scheduled to be published in December 2023. I’m excited to be able to help more people in this capacity learn to manage their own fears and insecurities.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It depends on the vibe that my best friend was looking for. For something more traditional in Miami, I’d take them down a stroll through classic 8th street for local culture, have some dessert at Azucar Ice Cream Company, and stop for some music at Ball & Chain. For more upscale but still chill vibes, I’d go to Miracle Mile and have lunch at Houston’s, you can’t go wrong there. For an artsy vibe, you can’t miss Wynwood Walls to see all the art and get a donut at The Salty Donuts. I also like going to Brickell and strolling through Brickell City Centre.
If my friend is visiting a bit further north to Broward, I’d recommend going to the following beaches: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Hollywood Beach. Depending on your needs, you can also stroll at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel or shop at Sawgrass Mills Mall.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many different people deserve a shout in helping me get to this place in my business. Going back to my graduate school days, specific professors made me love the mental health field so much. Notably, my Program Director made me feel seen and supported, not just through graduate school but as my license supervisor. There were many instances when I wondered whether I would even stay in the field, and her support was invaluable. I also heavily leaned on three graduate school friends who were indispensable then and now. It’s felt like we have truly gone through the journey together, and I can always count on them for support and guidance. Professionally, other mentors took a genuine interest in helping me shape and define my therapeutic skills and style. Of course, personally, my family and friends have always been there. I couldn’t have felt confident to make the leap to go all in on my business without their backing.
Website: https://nurturingmindscounseling.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurturingmindscounseling/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurturingmindscounseling
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_ZB0J-U2396LNSz4tJtUA
Other: TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRjQ6FFg/
Image Credits
Outside photos taken by Daniel Yero.
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