Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelin Garcia.
Hi Evelin, 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?
If you would have told me where I’d be, I would have had a difficult time believing you. As an immigrant to the United States, being raised by a single mother, and living under the poverty level when I was younger, it is a statistical miracle to be where I am now. Being called “Dr. Garcia” never gets old and it always brings a smile to my face because it took a lot of resilience, strength, and not giving up no matter how many times I wanted to. My first year as a licensed psychologist entailed long hours of therapy work with children who were so tired of therapy, they no longer had anything more to process. During my training I knew that therapy was not my passion and I geared towards assessments after my first class on psychological assessments. I enjoyed neuropsychology; however, I found that out too late and could not get into the appropriate internships. My first two years were long and hard, working in a community clinic that specialized in trauma and had clients in therapy fooorrreevveer. As soon as I was able to make a clean getaway I applied to a different job given that therapy had worn me out and I was completely overwhelmed and overworked with a heavy therapy caseload and mountains of paperwork, which I loathed.
From a weary therapist, I went to the director of assessments at Center for Autism and Related Disorders, which was my dream job. I got to do assessments, travel to their national and international offices, build the upcoming generation of psychologists, and my favorite part of the job….boss people around. Center for Autism gave me the confidence that I could manage a clinic and from there, I launched on my own. At first it was scary to launch into private practice but it was the best decision for me and although I felt I was sinking many times, I continued swimming and now feel that I am peacefully breathing and enjoying the fruit of my labor. My small private practice office became a corporation and I now serve people nationally and internationally through psychological services but also through seminars and conferences I facilitate to help people “rise and shine” and heal in order for them to walk in their God given purpose and assignment. The most favorite mpart of my job is to see people walk in healing and freedom!
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 journey has been similar to walking on an elliptical machine in interval mode. Getting my doctoral degree was difficult as I worked full time and carried a full semester load, plus externship hours. The most excruciating part was writing my dissertation, given that I was a second language English learner and I realized how difficult it was to write at a doctoral level during my dissertation years.
Finding my way and not allowing ‘the need” for a Spanish speaking therapist pull me into a therapy role, which I did not enjoy, was also challenging given that of course I wanted to fill a need but felt overwhelmed and burned out when I provided therapy for family’s with layers and layers of generational dysfunction. I enjoyed conducting psychological assessments and realized that I liked the detective work assessments entailed.
Throughout my academic and occupational journey, there were many instances when giving up would have been the easiest way to go; however, no matter what, I always came up for air and did not let the challenges keep me down for long. I had to fight boredom and be innovative. I also had to balance assessments with what I feel was my God-given assignment, which was public speaking and helping people heal. I travelled to Central America and did seminars for Spanish speakers and helped them believe that their current circumstances did not determine their future.
In my free time, I wrote three books, which helped me go through my own process of healing.
As you know, we’re big fans of Evelin Garcia, Psy.D. A Psychological Corporation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am best known for being an expert in Autism and being called by different national television channels and radio to discuss topics relating to autism and other psychological subjects. I provide my expert opinion and also discuss conservative topics that help a Spanish-Speaking Latino community. My seminars on healing also have a spiritual component that help people experience freedom. The favorite part of my job is helping people heal and become a better version of who they are. Inspiring them to come out of dysfunctional life patterns that may seem normal because that is what they have known their whole life. Breaking off the poverty mentality that keeps people captive thinking they cannot succeed and overcome their hardships brings me great joy. Equipping children with the tools they need to achieve their dreams and reach their goals makes my heart happy. I enjoy being able to impact my community through seminars, books, and consultations.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am determined to impact this world by helping individuals, couples and families heal! The path to healing is a difficult one and most people avoid it because it is painful; however, if we want a better family, community, and country, we need to heal. If we all walk in our God-given assignment, we can make this world a better one.
Pricing:
- $300 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Drevelingarcia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drevelingarcia/
- Facebook: @drevelingarcia
Image Credits
I’m getting new headshots next week, can I send you all the pictures then?
