Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydiana Garcia.
Lydiana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised on the tropical island of Puerto Rico. I grew up in the country/ east coast of the Island, surrounded by my maternal grandparents, aunts, and cousins. I was a “natural” at hearing others, validating their perspectives, and offering support.
When I was around 12 years old, I already knew I wanted to become a psychologist. I completed a B.A. in Psychology at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, and then a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. Part of the Ph.D. requirements included the completion of a year-long internship. The whole process of applying to an internship was very competitive, and it was the first time I was experienced “being a minority” and how privilege played a part in the psychology profession.
Given my status, studying in Puerto Rico in a school that was considered inferior in the US, I undergo a process called the clearinghouse (for everyone that was not matched) and through this arduous and somewhat shaming process, I was able to get accepted at a placement in Los Angeles, California.
During my internship, I did what I was used to, surviving. I worked super hard to try to compensate for my own feelings of being inferior and to “show” them that I was good enough. At that moment, I couldn’t see this pattern.
After completing my internship, I went on to the post-doc, licensure exams, and working as an early-career psychologist. I worked mostly with Latinx families that had been impacted by trauma (child abuse, domestic violence, poverty, issues with law enforcement, etc.), and specialized in treating trauma. During these years, I kept “hiding” my feelings of inferiority that were masked as being willing to do anything that they asked for me. This cycle kept on going until my body started to show signs of distress.
My stomach issues got worse, the fatigue hit hard, and my hormones went hijacking. At that point, I worked on remediating the symptoms, but I was unable to tackle the cause until I had my son and went through a “dark” and confusing stage postpartum.
Having a child made me pause my busyness and reflect on my own trauma history. I sought somatic therapy, got a health coach to help me with my diet, and got into yoga. I also sought more training in somatic approaches to healing trauma. I got my own office, started the bilingual podcast, The Beyond Resilience Life, and the online courses and offerings.
Currently, I am going through a new postpartum stage after I had my daughter in May, and I am reflecting deeply about where I am in my journey and the importance of healing my internalize oppression; including prioritizing resting and my health.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had many obstacles and challenges, including shedding off the systems of oppression while I obtain my Ph.D. and licensure, getting in debt due to my studies and managing my finances, having children in a city without much support or help, learning to value myself and asking for help.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Beyond Resilience Life – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I facilitate trauma healing via three different avenues: my private practice as a psychologist, the bilingual podcast The Beyond Resilience Life, and via my online courses and offerings.
The Beyond Resilience Life is a bilingual (English/Spanish) podcast that provides information and tools to help folx manage their triggers, learn coping skills, and build resiliency. It is available via iTunes Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, and GooglePlay.
I also offer lots of information about overcoming trauma and life adversities via my social media accounts: @dr.lydianagarcia and @thebeyondresiliencelife on IG and FB. I currently have two freebies: a Self-Regulation Plan (a PDF that helps folx create their own plan to help self-regulate), and Resiliency During Covid-19 eBook. Both can be accessed via the link in my IG account, @dr.lydianagarcia.
I am launching a self-regulation 10-week experience for womxn that want to dig deeper into learning body, mind, and spirit skills to help manage their triggers and emotions. The program starts in the last week of September.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have several programs in mind, including creating a 10-12-week program to healing the inner children (traumatic experiences we had during our childhood and adolescent that continue to “show up” in our present via triggers, relationship issues, and many more).
I am also drafting the next episodes for the podcast, including talking about parenting teens, working through our triggers when we are with our families, and holistic approaches to healing.
Ideally, I would like to start creating in-person retreats. Hopefully soon after, we’re safe to meet in person again.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8726 S Sepulveda Blvd. Suite D #665 Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Website: www.thebeyondresiliencelife.com
- Phone: 310-592-5333
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lydianagarcia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlydianagarcia
- Other: www.drlydianagarcia.com
Image Credit:
Yellow background image: BOLT Image by Pili Montilla and Dak
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