Andrea T. Garnica LCSW #64305, RPT,

Let Me Tell You About Me.

I am a dedicated mental health professional with over 16 years of experience providing compassionate and effective therapy services. With a strong foundation in social work and psychology, I am committed to helping individuals and families heal and grow.

I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work from Cal Poly Pomona. Additionally, I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and trained in Jungian Sand Play, Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, and Progressive Relaxation Techniques.

With a focus on community-based mental health, I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. I have provided intensive dual-diagnosis mental health services to children and families in South Los Angeles and have worked in a federally qualified health clinic serving the Los Angeles County and Inland Empire communities.

Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I continued to provide vital mental health services via telehealth to clients throughout California, from San Francisco to San Diego County.

I Can Only Work With People In The State Of California.

What can clients expect to happen in their first session?

Getting to know you:

I'll start by introducing myself and explaining my therapeutic approach.

I'll ask you about your reasons for seeking therapy, your current concerns, and your goals for treatment.

We'll discuss your medical and mental health history, including any past experiences with treatment.

Building rapport:

The first session is about establishing a safe and comfortable therapeutic relationship.

I'll create a space where you feel heard, understood, and respected.

Confidentiality and boundaries:

We'll discuss the limits of confidentiality and establish clear boundaries for our therapeutic relationship.

Assessing your needs:

I'll gather information to assess your current mental health status and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you.

Asking questions:

I'll likely have many questions to understand your concerns better. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have as well.

Important Note:

The first session is often an information-gathering session.

You don't have to share everything at once.

It's okay to feel nervous or unsure.

The most important thing is to be open and honest about your concerns.

I hope this gives you a general idea of what to expect in your first therapy session.

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT GUIDING INDIVIDUALS THROUGH THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES:

Childhood Trauma

Inner Child Healing

Life Transitions

Building self-awareness, self-trust, & self-compassion

Grief & Loss

Separation Anxiety

Depression

Sibling Conflict

Anxiety

I use a combination of psychotherapy & play therapy modalities to ensure that each of my clients’ therapeutic experiences is unique and personalized to them.

What is Play Therapy?

Has your child gone through something stressful or painful? Do they act aggressively or irritable for no apparent reason? Are they moody or tearful, sometimes to the point where nothing you do seems to help? Have they been acting resistant, defiant, or rebellious?

No matter what you might try to do to help, things do not seem to get better. Many children experience difficulties with their day-to-day activities. This includes in school, during family time, and in socializing with other children. Sometimes these issues can develop suddenly after a stressful life event. On the other hand, some difficulties can arise gradually over time.

Most adults are able to talk through their difficulties and address emotional problems. While many children have not developed that level of awareness and communication skills.

Play therapy is a specialized form of treatment designed to help children process difficult emotions. Through both structured and unstructured play experiences. Your child will meet one-on-one with a Play Therapist to play games, draw, create artwork, and talk about his or her experiences. It provides kids with a safe space to open up and express themselves without fear of punishment or judgment.