Anxiety, Trauma, and Faith: How a Chula Vista Therapist Can Help You Reclaim Peace
You’ve tried everything you know how to do. The deep breaths. The journaling. The prayers. But no matter what you try, the anxiety keeps creeping in. The flashbacks won’t stop. The weight in your chest won’t lift. And you’re left wondering—Why do I still feel this way? Why can’t I just move on already?
If this sounds familiar, please hear this: you’re not failing. You’re responding to pain that runs deep. And as a Chula Vista therapist who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and faith-based counseling, I want to help you untangle what’s been keeping you stuck—so you can find peace again.
You're Not Weak—You’re Carrying More Than Anyone Knows
Maybe your past is filled with moments you don’t talk about. The family that didn’t protect you. The friend who betrayed your trust. The church message that left you feeling ashamed or broken.
Maybe it’s not one big event—but a thousand little ones. The unspoken pressure to hold it all together. The constant fear that you’re not “doing life right.” The exhaustion that comes from being the strong one for too long.
This isn’t weakness. This is trauma. And it changes the way we think, feel, and relate to others. But the good news is, trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
When Anxiety Feels Like It’s Running Your Life
Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks. Sometimes it’s a racing mind at night, an inability to relax, or a stomach that’s constantly in knots. Sometimes it’s perfectionism or people-pleasing. Sometimes it’s feeling like you're always waiting for something bad to happen, even when things are going well.
As a Chula Vista therapist, I help clients learn how to:
Calm their nervous system through grounding and mindfulness
Understand their anxiety triggers and patterns
Use practical tools to manage fear and overwhelm
Shift from overthinking to inner peace
You’re not meant to live in a constant state of tension. You can learn to live with more ease and confidence.
When Faith and Mental Health Feel at Odds
This is one of the most tender places I work with clients.
Maybe you’ve been told to just “give it to God.” Or maybe you’ve wondered why your faith isn’t fixing your emotional pain. You might feel ashamed that you’re still struggling, like it means something about your spiritual life.
It doesn’t.
As someone who shares your faith background, I want you to know:
Struggling doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong
Needing help doesn’t make you less spiritual
Healing your heart and mind is not separate from your walk with God
I offer faith-integrated therapy for those who want it—a space where you can explore how your beliefs, emotions, and experiences all intersect. If you’re carrying spiritual confusion or religious trauma, we can gently work through that too.
The Body Remembers What the Mind Tries to Forget
One of the most misunderstood parts of trauma is how it lives in the body.
You might know something is over, but your body still reacts like it’s happening. A smell, sound, or phrase can send your nervous system into fight-or-flight mode. You feel jumpy, tense, or out of control.
This is where trauma-informed tools like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) come in. EMDR helps process stuck memories in a safe, structured way—so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.
You don’t have to relive everything in detail. EMDR offers a path forward when talking alone isn’t enough.
What Therapy with Me Looks Like
Every therapist is different. Here’s what I want you to know about how I work:
We move at your pace. You don’t have to tell your whole story right away—or ever.
Sessions are structured but flexible. We’ll work toward goals, but always leave space for what’s coming up in the moment.
I offer practical skills—not just talking. You’ll leave with tools you can use outside the session.
We explore the root of the issue. We won’t just manage symptoms—we’ll dig deeper, so you can truly understand and heal what’s driving your pain.
Faith is welcome, not required. If you’d like to include your spiritual beliefs, we will. If not, that’s absolutely okay too.
You’re Allowed to Want More for Your Life
More peace. More rest. More confidence. More joy.
So many of my clients come in believing this is just how life has to be—overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, numb. But healing is possible. I've seen it happen in real time.
Therapy isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about learning to hold it differently so it no longer controls your present. It's about discovering who you are beyond the pain. It’s about reclaiming your story.
Anxiety Doesn’t Have to be Your Identity. Let’s Find Peace Together.
If you’ve been searching for a Chula Vista therapist who understands trauma, anxiety, and faith-based healing—you’re in the right place. You don’t have to carry this alone anymore.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions, get to know me, and see if this feels like a good fit. No pressure. Just a gentle first step toward healing.
👉 Click here to schedule your free consultation
Author Bio
Christy Garcia, LMFT is a trauma-informed Chula Vista therapist who supports adults struggling with anxiety, panic, and emotional overwhelm. She’s trained in EMDR, offers mindfulness-based therapy, and works with those who want to integrate faith into their healing journey. Click here to learn more about Christy.
FAQ Section
Can a Chula Vista therapist help with anxiety and trauma?
Yes! I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, heal from trauma, and feel more in control of their emotions.
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR helps process and resolve painful memories that are stuck in the brain and body. It’s especially effective for trauma and PTSD.
Do I have to talk about everything right away?
Not at all. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe and respectful to you.
How do you incorporate faith into therapy?
For those who request it, I bring a spiritually integrated lens to our sessions, grounded in compassion and aligned with your beliefs.
What should I expect in my first session?
We’ll review your intake information, talk about your goals, and start building a foundation of trust and safety.
How long will therapy take?
It depends on your goals, history, and needs. Many clients begin to notice changes within the first several months of consistent, weekly sessions.
Is online therapy available in Chula Vista?
Yes, I offer virtual therapy options for clients located in California.
How do I know if you’re the right Chula Vista therapist for me?
Here is the link to an article I wrote about how to know if a therapist is the right fit for your needs. You can also schedule a free consultation with me to ask questions and get a feel for our connection. Click here to schedule your free, no-pressure, 15-minute phone consultation.
Can therapy help with panic attacks?
Absolutely. I teach calming techniques and work to address the root cause of panic so it doesn’t keep running your life.
Do I need to be religious to work with you?
No. I welcome people of all backgrounds and will never impose my personal beliefs in our work.
