Digame: Therapist Jacqueline Garcia is Destigmatizing Mental Health
Digame is a monthly series featuring prominent Latinx leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and public figures uplifting the community and making a difference
Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Garcia
Digame is a monthly series featuring prominent Latinx leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and public figures uplifting the community and making a difference.
Jacqueline Garcia is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker who is using social media to amplify the importance of mental health and destigmatize seeking help especially within the Latinx community. Her reels and TikToks (@therapylux) are dedicated to breaking toxic cycles, healing, and prioritizing mental health and with just over 18K followers on Instagram and over 20K on TikTok she’s making an impact. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State of San Bernardino and a master’s in social work from California State University of Fullerton.
Jacqueline specializes in working with and treating children and adolescents who suffer from depression, mood dysregulation, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, and a variety of life stressors. She also specializes in working with and treating adults that are experiencing depression, anxiety, triggers, and/ or disturbing thoughts related to past or current traumas.
With dedication and passion, I believe that therapy is a powerful tool that can assist you in improving your quality of life while dealing with life’s adversities,” she tells HipLatina. “I am passionate about creating a safe therapeutic space to facilitate insight and understanding while laying the groundwork for hope and healing.”
Which Latina(s) have had the greatest impact on your life and why?
I grew up listening and dancing to The legendary Selena Quintanilla. She taught me to embrace and love my body (curves), I remember dancing in front of my mirror wearing my moms red lipstick and to be unapologetically a fierce Latina.
I grew up watching Novelas “Soap Operas” when I lived in Tijuana, B.C. “Dulce Maria” or known as “Roberta” from “Rebelde” had a big influence in my style/fashion (i.e., died my hair pink), she taught me to embrace my Mexican roots.
I grew up watching Mujeres, Casos de la vida real with my mom. Another Latina/ Mexicana that shaped my upbringing “Silvia Pinal.” This show discussed real life situations. Now I assist and help individuals with real life situations.
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If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To have the ability to become invisible. Ever since I was little, I’ve known to be an introvert, reserved person. This superpower would help me escape situations and make my environment safe.
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What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t suffer in silence. Reach out for help even when we find it difficult to do so.”
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What would you title the autobiography of your life?
Passionately and Unapologetically Healing
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What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
I remember going to MAC Cosmetics and spending all my check on make-up. I’ve always liked showing creativity with wearing a bold lip.
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What do you wish more people understood about what you do?
That therapy is not for “crazy” or “locos”. That therapy offers a broad array of benefits for all of us, whatever our circumstances, conditions, and concerns. That if you grew up in dysfunctional homes and healthy relationships were not modeled to you, that as an adult you are able to heal, unlearn, relearn, and build beautiful healthy relationships. HEALING IS POSSIBLE!
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What motivates you?
Continuously paving the path for the next generations and breaking the cycle.
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How did you end up on the professional path you’re on now?
Throughout my upbringing, I faced many life adversities that shaped the person who I am today. I grew up in Tijuana , Baja California until I was 12 years old. My parents migrated to the U.S. to seek a better life for me and my siblings. As many of you know, middle school years can be difficult to say the least. As a teen, I struggled adjusting to a new culture, new language, new friends, new trends, you name it! However, these years made a huge impact in my life and led me to the path of becoming a therapist. I encountered my first therapist during this phase in my life. Yes, I was on the other side of the couch. My therapist helped me overcome my life transition, adjustments, and hardships at the time.
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What is your greatest professional achievement so far? Personal achievement?
Professional achievement has been starting my own private practice aimed to help individuals break cycles and heal within. To dismantle mental health stigma in the Latinx/ Hispanic community. To make mental health a daily conversation.
My personal achievement has been moving out on my own, healing from my past traumas, learning that my parents did their best in providing for me, and that the intergenerational cycle stops with me.
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What is a goal you have that you haven’t accomplished yet and what are you doing to get closer to accomplishing it?
Build a program that helps youth who come to the U.S. designed to help them adjust, learn and implement social skills, and provide support through the process of transitioning into the American culture.
Quick Fire:
Shoutout an Instagram account that could use more love and tell us why you’re a fan
@thehealingtherapist she has been my social media wifey who checks in on me, provided active listening, and provides free mental health resources for her community.
Shoutout your favorite Latina owned business @delsolessentials because we all need a candle to light when we are in our feelings, when we are ready to start the day, or after a long day at work and we are ready to relax.
Name your favorites:
Snack: pepinos con tajin y limon
Song: “Surrender” by Natalie Taylor
Artist: BAD BUNNY!!!
