Denise García (she/ella) is a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed to practice in the state of Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Denise is a bilingual (English/Spanish), bi-cultural, first-generation child of Cuban immigrants, born and raised in Miami, Florida.

Her clinical background includes more than 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Currently, she is a Bilingual Therapist and has been providing individual and group therapy services at Waterloo for 3 years. She currently facilitates our Trans-Masc support group held virtually on Mondays @ 4:30PM. Prior to Waterloo, Denise has worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation; immigrant clients; inpatient psychiatric care patients; persons experiencing houselessness; veteran families; and individuals in crisis.

Some of Denise’s areas of specialty and populations she works with include:

• LGBTQIA+

• Persons Impacted by HIV

• Unprocessed Trauma/PTSD

• Relationships and Attachment Wounds

• Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

• Cultural Identity

• BIPOC

• LatinX/Latine Population

Her approach to therapy can be described as relational, collaborative, and culturally responsive. She works from a trauma-informed lens and integrates various modalities including Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness, and CBT. Denise is identity-affirming and strongly believes that our identities are our superpowers. (Yes, she is quoting America Ferrera’s TED Talk— she encourages you to watch it if you haven’t done so already!)

Denise strives to cultivate a warm, safe space for clients, free of judgment or shame— a space where you feel welcome to come just as you are, as your most authentic self.  She is passionate about destigmatizing and decolonizing mental health, as well as increasing access to affordable, trauma-informed mental health services. She feels proud to work in an organization that centers the needs of underrepresented communities and is dedicated about making mental health services affordable and accessible.

When Denise is not working, she enjoys spending time with her 2 cats, exploring local coffee shops and food joints, getting lost in a good book, or wandering in nature.