Meet Diana Garcia | Licensed Mental Health Counselor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had come to a point in my career where it seemed like the next logical step was to transition to full-time work in my private practice (my business). I had gained enough experience as a clinician, and I found myself at a crossroads because I knew that my current job was ending due to circumstances beyond my control. I had been operating my private practice on a part-time basis, but I had been hesitant to commit to it fully. It was then that I realized I had to be willing to give it my all (despite any fears I had) and see where it took me.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have played various roles in my career, from Case Manager and Primary Therapist to Director of Counseling Services, and each experience has contributed to my professional growth. Working with clients from diverse backgrounds and dealing with different issues helped me improve as a therapist. My role as Director provided managerial and administrative experience that has been valuable in running my current business. Running a Private Practice involves more than just being a therapist; it requires wearing multiple hats, and I have been able to draw on skills from my different positions.
Navigating obstacles in my career has been challenging. I questioned whether I wanted to continue in the field, experienced being laid off due to the pandemic, and had financial worries about opening my own practice. I coped with these challenges by facing my fears, seeking constant support, and undergoing personal therapy to gain better self-understanding. I’ve learned that challenges continue to arise, sometimes triggering the same fears. However, trusting myself and being willing to experience a range of feelings while taking difficult steps has ultimately led to positive outcomes, albeit not without pain.
I hope that my actions inspire others to overcome their fears and setbacks because going all in on my business and my career has consistently involved me having to tackle my own stuck places and move through some challenging thoughts and feelings. Hopefully, by seeing that others can do it can inspire even one person to pursue the things that matter to them.
Even my latest venture involves navigating more doubts and insecurities, but ultimately, I’m proud of having written a book. My book, “Negative Thoughts Happen: How to Find Your Inner Ally When Your Inner Critic Shows Up,” was published last year. I am excited to help more people manage their fears and insecurities through this new medium.
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 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 taking a stroll 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 or Fort Lauderdale Beach. Some more nature-oriented places include taking a bike ride in Shark Vally or heading really north to Morikami Museum.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a debt of gratitude to so many people who have helped me reach this point in my business. During my graduate school years, certain professors instilled in me a deep love for the field of mental health. My Program Director, in particular, made me feel seen and supported, not only during graduate school but also as my supervisor for licensure. There were numerous times when I questioned whether I would remain in the field, and her support was priceless. I also relied heavily on three friends from graduate school who were indispensable then and continue to be so now. It’s as if we have truly journeyed together, and I know I can always depend on them for support and guidance. Professionally, other mentors took a sincere interest in helping me develop and define my therapeutic skills and style. Naturally, my family and friends have always been there for me personally. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to take the leap and fully commit to my business.
Website: https://www.nurturingmindscounseling.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurturingmindscounseling/
Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@nurturingmindscounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurturingmindscounseling
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_ZB0J-U2396LNSz4tJtUA
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
