Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Garcia
Hi Maria , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As an immigrant, my family and I initially faced significant challenges adapting to life in the U.S., from registering for school, booking doctor’s appointments, to understanding the public transportation system. Relying on the kindness of others due to language and cultural barriers, As I grew older I began to realize how difficult it must have been for my parents to navigate a new country. These experiences shaped my desire to pursue a community-focused career.
After graduating from Central high school, I attended Southwest Community College, facing the unique challenge of being the first in my family to navigate higher education in the U.S. I earned my associate’s degree, then moved on to Christian Brothers University for my bachelor’s. In the process I received invaluable support from family and a partial scholarship, as federal aid wasn’t available to me. In 2012, DACA’s enactment under President Obama gave me a chance and allowed people like me a pathway to pursue professional aspirations.
My career began in social services at a nonprofit, supporting low-income families in 2016. In 2017, I pursued a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Memphis. amid COVID, I completed my degree in 2020 and began my journey as a full time therapist.
In March 2024, after achieving full licensure, I started my own private practice, Modern Journey Counseling, to provide a safe, healing space for individuals processing trauma. I always remind clients, “I am here to help you heal, but you control the pace of your journey.”
In the process of pursuing my professional career, My personal life was also changing, I got married in 2011, I had my first child in 2014 in the midst of completing my bachelors degree. In 2019 I had my second child, also while completing my Master’s degree.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been smooth, and I’ve faced challenges. Growing up aware of my immigration status, my life goals felt distant and uncertain. In high school, when asked about my future, I didn’t have clear answers or guidance specific to my situation. My parents, however, consistently encouraged me to stay the course. I was fortunate to have their support through college and later from my spouse and family. During my master’s program, I had to balance school, work, and family. At one point, I was pregnant, worked full time, and I was finishing up my master’s program. I couldn’t have done it without my mom’s home made meals, family babysitting, and my husband taking on home responsibilities. I can truly say it took a village to get me to where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Modern Journey Counseling ?
Modern Journey Counseling is a practice dedicated to helping individuals heal from past trauma, gain self-awareness, and embrace who they want to become. Founded with a focus on serving the Spanish-speaking community, Modern Journey Counseling aims to break mental health stigmas, offering a safe space for clients to share their stories and feel validated. It is intended to put a “modern” approach to the way the Latino community views mental health. The practice offers services in English, Spanish, and Spanglish for clients struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, mood disorders, maternal mental health, and cultural adjustment.
What sets Modern Journey apart is its commitment to providing therapy in clients’ native language, enhancing accessibility and comfort. I am most proud of creating a platform where people can heal authentically, and I aspire to extend these culturally inclusive services to more minority groups across Tennessee.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5–10 years, Modern Journey Counseling envisions a shift toward broader accessibility and inclusivity in mental health care. My goal is to expand into a group practice, offering clients therapists from diverse backgrounds to ensure comfort and relatability. By eliminating barriers—such as language, stigma, and cultural understanding—Modern Journey aims to make mental health services more accessible. Overall, personalized care that meets clients where they are, making mental health support more approachable for everyone.
Pricing:
- Individual Session $100
- Couples $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://modernjourneycounseling.com
- Instagram: @Modernjourneycounseling
- Facebook: @modernjourneycounseling
