Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Garcia.
Hi Victoria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor located in Houston with specialties in trauma and neurodiversity. I began studying mental health and psychology during college as a way to learn how to help myself and others who struggled with these issues.
My career in mental health began in 2008 with an internship at a counseling office. I was preparing to attend graduate school when life took many unsuspected twists and turns. In 2017, I began graduate school once again. This time I was older and had more life experience. Returning to the world of mental health just felt right. For many years, I worked in a mental health clinic as a neuropsychological technician and client care coordinator. Many of the therapists at the clinic were inspirational mentors. I became licensed in 2020 and opened my own private practice, Victorious Mental Health Counseling, in 2022.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Becoming a mental health counselor has been a lifelong pursuit for me. Adaptability has played a huge role in my success. In the 80’s and 90’s, the topic of mental health was taboo and heavily stigmatized. This left many millennials (myself included) without the knowledge or skills to navigate their emotions.
As a teen and young adult, I struggled with severe depression and anxiety. Many times, my struggles overflowed into other areas of my life and wreaked havoc on my relationships, career aspirations, and physical health. Finally getting therapy and medication for myself was life-changing. For the first time, I realized I didn’t have to live in a constant state of fear and sadness.
The most monumental twist that life threw at me was the premature birth of my daughter. She and I were both very near death when she arrived in the world three months early. I was able to fully recover after a week in ICU. However, my daughter was left with permanent brain damage. I immediately quit my job and took a seven-year hiatus from school. For me, parenting a child with special needs has been both deeply challenging and abundantly rewarding.
Once I returned to work, I had an even stronger sense of determination to help those in need.
As you know, we’re big fans of Victorious Mental Health Counseling. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
This is not a job. It is my purpose.
I have more than just a textbook understanding of mental health. I’ve personally experienced mental health issues in the past and am able to use my experience to help others.
I work with a wide range of populations and issues, but I specialize in trauma and utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. As a therapist, I am direct. I believe in meeting clients where they are emotionally but also giving them a push when needed.
I use an income-based sliding scale, which makes therapy more affordable.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, making connections with people in various fields has been helpful. Find other small business owners that you admire and make an effort to connect. You can both build a relationship while promoting each other’s business. WGNO (Woodlands Girls Night Out), a networking group, was impactful for my business, and I made many great friendships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.victorioustherapy.com
Image Credits
Ruston Photography
Aura Photography
