The Truth About Healing: What a Chula Vista Therapist Wants You to Know
Life has a way of throwing things at us we never expected. One day, you're functioning fine. The next, you’re overwhelmed by a flood of emotions you can't seem to control. Maybe it's a trauma from years ago that keeps resurfacing … or maybe it’s an anxiety that seems to tighten its grip every time you try to breathe. Either way, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
As a Chula Vista therapist, I’ve sat across from countless people who’ve whispered the words: “
What’s wrong with me?”
Let me tell you something right now—there’s nothing wrong with you. What you’re feeling is a completely normal reaction to very real pain. And healing is absolutely possible.
Let’s talk about what healing really looks like, what therapy actually offers, and how it’s different than just “talking about your feelings.”
Healing Isn't Linear—And That’s Okay
Some days you’ll feel better. Others you might not. That doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working or that you’re going backwards. Healing looks more like a messy, winding path than a straight staircase. And guess what? That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
One of the first things I tell clients is this: You are not broken. You may feel fragile, scattered, anxious or emotionally exhausted—but you are still whole. What you’ve gone through is impacting you, yes, but it hasn’t destroyed your capacity to heal, grow, and thrive.
You Don’t Have to “Get Over It”—You Can Move Through It
Many of my clients come in with deep emotional pain and a message they’ve heard (sometimes subtly, sometimes directly):
“Just get over it. Move on already.”
That message is not only invalidating—it’s impossible. When trauma or painful life experiences aren't processed, they don’t just disappear. They get buried. They show up as panic attacks, sleepless nights, relationship struggles, irritability, or unexplained sadness.
As a Chula Vista therapist who specializes in trauma and anxiety, I help clients move through their experiences, not ignore them. Through therapy, we’ll explore how the past shows up in your body, your thoughts, and your relationships—and gently work toward healing and peace.
Therapy Is More Than Just Talking
You’re not here for someone to nod and say “uh-huh” while you pour out your pain. You’re here for change. I get that—and that’s how I approach every session.
I offer:
Mindfulness and grounding practices to help you feel calm and safe in the moment
Guided meditation and relaxation techniques you can take with you into your daily life
EMDR therapy, a proven trauma-focused approach that helps you reprocess painful memories
A faith-integrated approach (for those who want it) that honors your values and spirituality
My goal is to help you not just feel better—but to understand what’s been driving your pain, and how to truly release it.
What If You’ve Tried Therapy Before?
Maybe you’ve done therapy in the past, but it didn’t help much. Or maybe it helped for a while, but something didn’t stick. First of all—that doesn’t mean you failed.
Not all therapy is created equal. Sometimes the fit isn’t right. Sometimes you weren’t ready, or the approach didn’t match your needs.
My clients often tell me that our work together feels different. It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about meeting you right where you are—without judgment—and walking with you toward what’s next.
Faith and Mental Health Can Coexist
If you’re a Christian, you may have heard the message that you just need to pray harder, or that struggling with mental health is somehow a spiritual failure.
Let’s be honest—those messages hurt.
I’ve walked that road myself, and I want you to know:
You’re not a bad Christian because you’re struggling. Your anxiety isn’t a sign of weak faith. Your trauma isn’t a punishment.
I work with many clients who appreciate integrating their faith into therapy. But I also work with clients of other (or no) faith backgrounds. My approach is always one of compassion, respect, and openness. There’s no Bible-thumping in my office!
Real Healing Can Change Everything
I’ve seen it again and again. When people feel safe, seen, and supported—things start to shift.
You begin to:
Sleep better
Feel less on-edge
Speak to yourself more kindly
Understand your reactions instead of being controlled by them
Feel hopeful about the future again
Therapy is more than symptom relief. It’s about transformation—of the way you see yourself, your relationships, your past, and your possibilities.
Let’s Take That First Step Together
If you’ve made it this far, something in you knows you’re ready for a change. And that’s powerful.
You don’t have to figure it all out before you reach out. All you need is the willingness to take that first brave step.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can chat about what you’re looking for and whether we might be a good fit. No pressure, no obligation—just a space to be heard.
👉 Click here to schedule your free consultation
Services & Specialties:
Author Bio
Christy Garcia, LMFT is a compassionate Chula Vista therapist who helps adults heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression through a mind-body-soul approach. With over 10 years of experience and training in EMDR, she supports clients in uncovering the root of their pain and creating lasting change. Christy also offers Christian counseling for those who want to integrate their faith into therapy. Learn more about Christy’s services or schedule a free consultation here.
FAQs
What issues can a Chula Vista therapist help with?
I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, grief, and faith-based struggles.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained, therapy can help you get clarity and support.
Do you offer Christian counseling in Chula Vista?
Yes, for those who desire it, I integrate faith into therapy in a respectful, nonjudgmental way.
What’s EMDR therapy, and is it right for me?
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps reprocess painful memories so they don’t keep you stuck.
How soon can I start therapy with a Chula Vista therapist?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and schedule your first session.
What’s the difference between talking to a friend and talking to a therapist?
A therapist offers structured, evidence-based strategies to help you heal—not just vent.
Will you assign homework between sessions?
I encourage clients to practice new skills between sessions, like mindfulness or journaling—not rigid homework.
What happens in the first session?
We’ll go over your intake info, get to know your goals, and begin building a safe and supportive foundation.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms like sleep or panic attacks?
Yes, many emotional struggles impact the body—therapy can help restore balance to both mind and body.
Do you work with clients who aren’t Christian?
Absolutely. I welcome people from all walks of life and will never impose my beliefs on you.
