meet Alexandra Garcia

alex’s credentials and philosophy

licensed professional counselor (lpc) - clinical license 178.016035 - pronouns (she/her/hers) - individuasls, families, & couples

I believe that being a therapist is a privilege. I understand that starting therapy or beginning to see a new therapist can be a vulnerable experience and it is an act of self-compassion. When a person has experienced trauma or is undergoing life challenges, it can be difficult to see a path forward. Leaning into dialectics, the idea that two things can exist at the same time, informs most of my work as well as mindfulness practices. My role as a therapist is to assist you in finding ways to look ahead and to live a life that feels more aligned with yourself.

My training in evidence-based practices, combined with your intuition and self knowledge can help you gain tools that will assist with your therapy goals. I am  also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)  which is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that is effective in reducing trauma symptoms.

When providing therapy, I am warm, engaging, and nonjudgmental. I operate from a strengths-based, empowerment, and trauma-informed therapeutic style. I particularly find meaning in working with those experiencing anxiety disorders, trauma, grief and loss and those experiencing the effects of loving someone with a substance use disorder.

 Some of my intersecting identities are:

latina - biracial (Puerto rican and greek ) - Humboldt park raised - proud dog mom - live music feeds my soul - i am an lgbtq advocate & ally   

specialization

alex’s areas of focus:

trauma - OCD - ANXIETY-DEPRESSION - grief and losS - relationship issues - family members of those with substance use

alex’s approach:

dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt) - cognitive processing therapy (cpt) - exposure and response prevention (erp) - mindfulness - relational

education

DePaul University Chicago:

master in education - clinical mental health counseling

contact

alex@balancepsychotherapy.com