Idalys Garcia, Ed.S.

Education:

University of Florida Clinical Mental Health

At a Glance: 

I approach clients with a person-centered/trauma-informed lens and use creative therapies such as play therapy to work through their presenting concerns. I truly enjoy using strengths-based practices in my work as well as I believe doing that work is directly related to why and how clients change. I have completed most of my training working with children and adolescents, but am willing to work with clients of all ages. My goal is to simply make clients feel like they have someone in their corner unconditionally.

Why did you become a therapist? 

There are many reasons why I became a therapist, however, the most important one is that I want to be the person that I wish I had while growing up. In relation, I also want clients to see therapists that look similar to them, can speak the same language as them. I also wanted to become a therapist to do some personal healing and be able to help the younger generations of my family.

What can a client expect to experience in a session with you?

A client can expect me to be empathetic, honest, curious, non-judgmental, and creative/playful. I find it hard to sit still or focus on my thoughts sometimes, and I believe using expressive therapies is an effective tool during counseling. Expressive therapies can be very rewarding and often surprises clients. With that being said, clients can expect to work on their goals and be their truest self while also enjoying their time doing so. This includes play therapy which I believe can be beneficial for ALL AGES.

If you could work with on celebrity, who would it be?

If I could be a therapist to a celebrity it would be Demi Lovato. She is the first and only celebrity I was ever a "stan" for. I have all the feelings when I listen to her music, and I can only imagine how she handles all of those feelings when she is writing them.

How do you spend your free time? 

I spend my free time with my fiancé and son, playing with my three pitbulls, or at the beach.

What's your favorite quirk about yourself? 

I remember specific details about people that seem unimportant. For example, anyone I have ever gotten to know in my entire life, I remember their birthdays.

What does social justice mean to you? 

Social justice means advocating for equitable treatment and opportunities for marginalized and oppressed clients. This includes advocating for them when they have systemic issues or even taking the time to understand their diverse backgrounds and identities. 

How do you believe change happens?

I believe change cannot happen if the client is not ready yet. However, once they are ready I believe change happens when clients find what motivates them, build a support system, become more self-aware, and are able to give themselves grace.