Joseph A. Garcia
I began my work in the mental health profession in 1999 as a paraprofessional in the school system working with adolescents that had been deemed “severely emotional and behaviorally disordered”. I then went back to school obtaining a master's degree in experimental psychology. After this I worked as a Behavior Analyst in a Georgia state psychiatric hospital. After developing a deep appreciation for how beneficial therapeutic relationships could be for even the most extreme and chronic mental health concerns, I decided to complete my education with a Doctorate in clinical psychology.
I work from a place of non-judgment and authenticity. I have found that this approach generates feelings of mutual trust and motivation in which clients can pursue their goals in a genuine manner. My approach to therapy is integrative with a heavy reliance on client-centered methods. From the first interview my primary goal is to meet you where you are. My therapeutic orientation and direction is guided by empirical literature as well as your personality, culture, and individual goals. Existential humanistic philosophy and techniques influence my work and are woven deeply into the fabric of my personal philosophy. I also draw from mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral frameworks. I specialize in identity development in its many forms. This includes gender and sexual minority, religious/spiritual, and cultural identity. In addition, the big questions that we all face concerning the meaning and meaninglessness of life, isolation and belongingness, our personal responsibility and freedom, the inevitability of our death and grief over the death of others are areas that may be covered through our work together. Regardless of your presenting concern the ultimate goal in therapy is for you to achieve balance in your life and in yourself. This often begins with the management of symptoms that can range from depression, anxiety, phobias, or other forms of emotional instability that may interfere with healing on deeper, more sustainable, levels. I have found that many clients, at varying levels of readiness to change, respond well to mindfulness training because it is a practical and immediately useful tool to help resolve conflict, increase decision making skills, and navigate stress. I understanding that “mindfulness” has become a pop culture catch phrase. My perspective on mindfulness is deeply rooted in its spiritual, cultural, and historical lineage. These important aspects of the practice are not neglected in my understanding or mindfulness instruction. Whether I am a good therapeutic fit for you, or not, I thank you for taking the time to look at my webpage and I wish you well on your journey.
The holiday season is upon us, a time often filled with joy and celebration. But it can also bring an overwhelming wave of stress, anxiety, and emotional strain for many. Navigating the season’s demands and expectations may be difficult but not insurmountable, according to Joseph Garcia, PsyD, LCP, Clinical Director at White Cloud Therapeutic Services. With over two decades of experience in mental health, Joseph helps his clients navigate life’s challenges, from everyday stress to deep existential questions, especially those who are seeking balance and mental wellness during an emotionally charged time of year. Joseph’s journey to becoming a therapist began in his early years as a child growing up in Columbus, Georgia. He was inspired by his mother’s work as an educator, witnessing the challenges faced by children with severe intellectual and emotional difficulties.
“My mother was in special education until she retired,” he recalls. “I remember going to school
with her sometimes, helping out, and seeing firsthand the struggles that some of these kids
went through. Even then, I knew I wanted to be in a helping profession. It just felt right.”
However, Joseph’s path was not a direct one.
Like many young people, he initially explored different career options, working various jobs in retail and the service industry. Yet, something always felt off. “I was working in pizza places and had other little jobs here and there, but I just felt like I was making trash,” he says with a laugh. “It didn’t feel authentic to me. I kept thinking back to my mother’s career and knew I needed to get back to something that felt real.” In his twenties, Joseph found himself working as a paraprofessional at a special pull-out school for children diagnosed as “severely emotionally and behaviorally disordered.” These children had been removed from regular education settings and placed in specialized programs due to extreme behavioral challenges. “That experience was the turning point for me,” he says. “I loved working with the kids. It was a tough age group, mostly seventh and eighth graders, but I connected with them on a deep level. Many of them came from difficult home environments, with family members in prison, and they had different understandings of the world than I did. But that’s where I learned the importance of empathy and building real, human connections.” Working in that setting led Joseph to a pivotal realization.
He wanted to pursue a career where he could do more to help these children. So, he returned to school, initially enrolling in a special education program. But something still didn’t feel quite right. “The courses just didn’t click for me,” he says. “It wasn’t until I took a few psychology classes that I realized, this is it. This is where I need to be.” Joseph went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology and worked as a behavior analyst at a state psychiatric hospital in Georgia. His role involved working with forensic patients, individuals deemed “not guilty by reason of insanity” or “incompetent to stand trial” as well as those with severe mental health disorders. It was in this setting that Joseph solidified his belief in the power of therapeutic relationships. “Even with these adults, some of whom had committed serious crimes or were grappling with extreme mental health conditions, I found that empathy and understanding their individual stories made a huge difference. That’s when I knew I wanted to continue my education and get my doctorate.” In 2016, Joseph completed his doctoral studies in clinical psychology and soon found himself in Williamsburg, having landed an internship at the William & Mary Counseling Center. Since then, he has established a thriving practice at White Cloud Therapeutic Services, specializing in existential life questions, identity development, and mindfulness-based therapy.
His clients range from adolescents to adults, many of whom are grappling with deep philosophical and spiritual questions about life, meaning, and belonging. But for Joseph, therapy is not only about diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. It’s about fostering a genuine connection with each client. “I work from a place of non-judgement and authenticity,” he says. “My goal is to meet people where they are. I’ve found that this approach builds mutual trust, which is crucial for creating a space where clients feel safe to pursue their goals in an honest and genuine way.” Joseph’s approach is highly individualized. He doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method of therapy. Instead, he tailors each session to the unique needs of the person sitting in front of him. “Every client is differ ent, and therapy should reflect that,” he explains. “It’s not about applying a standard template. I like to think of it as creating a new therapy for each person. This is John Doe’s therapy. It’s specific to his life, his experiences, and his needs.”
One of the key elements of Joseph’s practice is mindfulness, a practice that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. However, Joseph’s understanding of mindfulness goes beyond the trendy applications. “Mindfulness has become a pop culture buzzword, but for me, it’s rooted in its spiritual, cultural, and historical context,” he says. “It’s not just about being present in the moment. It’s about understanding the deeper layers of how mindfulness helps people navigate stress and build self-awareness.” Another key element to his work is the importance of empathy, which he feels deeply passionate about, describing it as “magic.” He uses curiosity and non-judgement as tools to build connections with clients from vastly different
backgrounds and life experiences. “I want to know who they are. The minute judgement enters the room, it blocks us from really understanding that person on a deeper level.
I think one of the most important things a therapist can do is let the client be the expert on who they are,” he says. This approach allows clients to feel safe, which Joseph believes is the foundation for healing. “When someone feels safe, that’s when they can begin to share what they truly feel about their
life and the world around them. That’s when the healing can begin,” he says. “Mindfulness is a big part of that. If I’m truly present with a client, if
I’m not thinking about whether I left the coffee maker on or what I’m having for dinner, that client can feel it. They know when you’re really with them, and that makes a huge difference.”
Many of Joseph’s clients seek help answer- ing existential life questions, big topics like the meaning of life, death, isolation, and belonging.
These are difficult issues to grapple with, and for some, can be overwhelming. “Helping someone through these kinds of questions is a deeply personal process. It’s not about giving them answers. It’s about guiding them as they explore their beliefs and values and helping them experiment with different meanings in their life.”
Joseph calls this process “meaning-making,” where clients work to cultivate their sense of meaning based on their perceived experiences. “I
can’t give someone meaning, but I can help them find it. It’s about being honest with themselves, exploring different possibilities, and deciding what feels right for them.” As the holiday season gets underway, Joseph offers some practical advice for those who may be facing a wide range of mental health challenges, from heightened stress, anxiety, or grief to feelings of loneliness or isolation to those who may struggle with the pressures of family gatherings or personal expectations.
“First and foremost, it’s important to honor your feelings,” Joseph says. “If you’re feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, don’t try to push those
feelings away. They’re valid, and it’s okay to acknowledge them. At the same time, it’s important to take care of yourself.” He suggests having a plan for managing these emotions during the holidays. “Think of it like a safety plan. If you know certain feelings might come up, decide ahead of time how you’ll handle them. You can take those emotions on a walk. Call a friend and be honest that you’re having a tough time. Take a break from a family gathering regardless of whether it’s at your home or someone else’s. It’s okay to step outside and take a breather.” He also emphasizes the importance of balance.
“The holidays are often filled with lots of sugary treats and irregular routines. Be mindful of what you’re eating and how it affects your mood. Try to get enough sleep and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Our emotions take a lot of energy to process, and maintaining good sleep, diet, and exercise can help us manage that.”
When it comes to his own mental health, Joseph practices what he preaches. “I’m very careful with my sleep routine,” he says. “The circadian rhythm is critical for emotional regulation.”He also incorporates mindfulness and meditation into his daily life. “Even if it’s just five minutes or one deep breath, taking that time can make such a big difference. I always remind people to breathe deeply. Oxygen is essential for brain function, and when we’re stressed, we tend to breathe shallowly. A few deep breaths can help bring us back to center.”
The season may come with its challenges, but Joseph Garcia is confident that it’s completely navigable with the right tools and practices. His final piece of advice for managing mental health, especially during the holidays, is to make time for laughter. “My personal therapist once told me to watch comedy when I’m feeling down. I still do that to this day. Laughter is incredibly healing. It’s not about avoiding your feelings. It’s about giving yourself a little more space to hold them.”