Today we’d like to introduce you to Norma Garcia
Hi Norma , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in a Hispanic household, I initially pursued a path toward becoming a doctor or lawyer, as my immigrant parents envisioned. I began my college journey with a major in biology but faced challenges that led to academic probation. Undeterred, I sought guidance from a college counselor, which proved pivotal. My own experiences as a child who witnessed drug addiction and domestic violence at home fueled my desire to help others, prompting me to volunteer at a domestic violence shelter while completing my coursework in Sociology.
My time at the shelter revealed gaps in my skills, particularly in providing emotional support to those in distress. This realization inspired me to enroll in a Master’s in Social Work (MSSW) program, where I honed my ability to be a supportive advocate. After graduating and obtaining my LCSW, I dedicated the past 15 years to working with children and families across various settings, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, family conflict, child abuse, and domestic violence.
Recognizing a critical need in my community, I founded Centro de Consejería Familiar to address the disparities in mental health service access among Latinos. This community often seeks counseling at lower rates and faces systemic barriers that hinder equal access to mental health care. My mission is to educate and support the Latino community, providing vital services and breaking down these barriers. We collaborate with local universities and community colleges to enhance future clinicians’ skills while serving Spanish-speaking clients. Our dedicated team strives to make mental health support accessible and effective for those in need.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My primary goal has always been to help people, and this vision has been the cornerstone of my business. Over time, I’ve come to understand the complexities involved in running a business. Fortunately, I’ve been supported by mentors and programs that have guided me in developing effective systems and strategies for growth. The journey is ongoing, and I firmly believe that learning is a continuous process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our mission at Centro de Consejeria Familiar is to empower and support the Latino community in Dallas by providing culturally sensitive mental health services. We offer a safe, accessible space for children, teens, and parents to learn how to manage their emotions, develop their self-esteem, and build healthy, happy relationships. Our compassionate team of committed experts promotes resilience, growth, and well-being for all members of our Latino community.
At Centro de Consejeria Familiar, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health support. We specialize in individual, family, and couples counseling, addressing a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. As a licensed clinical social worker and a registered play therapist, I bring a unique expertise to our practice, particularly in working with children through play therapy techniques.
What sets us apart is our deep commitment to serving the Latino community and our focus on overcoming systemic barriers to mental health access. Our team of clinicians is not only fluent in Spanish but also shares a Latino cultural background, which enables us to offer culturally competent care that truly understands and respects the experiences of our clients. Counseling is covered by most insurance plans and we accept most major insurances to assist with the cost of counseling.
We are also proud to accept a wide range of insurance plans, making it easier for clients to access the counseling services they need without significant financial burden. Our goal is to provide accessible, high-quality care that fits within our clients’ financial means.
Our brand is defined by our dedication to both professional excellence and community engagement. We partner with local universities and community colleges to train future clinicians, enhancing their skills while expanding access to mental health services for Spanish-speaking individuals.
What we want your readers to know is that Centro de Consejeria Familiar is more than just a counseling service—it’s a hub of support, learning, and growth. We are committed to making high-quality mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, and we take pride in being a resource for both individuals and families navigating their mental health journeys.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What brings me happiness is serving others. My journey has been marked by many challenges, and those experiences have profoundly shaped who I am today. Helping others is deeply fulfilling because it connects me to my own growth and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Centrodeconsejeriafamiliar.com
- Instagram: @centrodeconsejeriafamiliar
- Facebook: @centrodeconsejeriafamiliar
Image Credits
Action shot: @heyfelicia_studio
Group shot: @tiffanyhopwoodphotography
