Giselle GARCIA

MSW, LCSW((She/Hers/Ella)

Giselle draws on a wealth of experience working with individuals from varied age groups and cultural backgrounds, guiding clients through the process of understanding and reclaiming their personal narratives. Her approach is grounded in compassion, flexibility, and a deep respect for each client’s unique journey.

About Giselle

Giselle Garcia (she/her/ella), MSW, LCSW, is a Latinx relational therapist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and parents as they navigate life transitions, trauma, identity exploration, and family dynamics. She is Level 1 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), and certified in both Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). Her integrative approach draws from narrative therapy, play therapy, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing®, and other trauma-informed, client-centered modalities to help individuals make sense of their complex experiences.

Giselle previously worked at women’s centered counseling and training center, where she focused on enhancing engagement and the effectiveness of treatment for clients with PTSD, trauma, and attachment histories. During her time there, she also worked closely with the perinatal population, supporting clients through the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting.

With a multicultural perspective and as a heritage Spanish speaker, she offers therapy sessions in both English and Spanish.

Certifications and Appointments

Certified therapist in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions: As a Certified Therapist in Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), Giselle helps children, teens, and families navigate challenging behaviors with compassion and collaboration. Rather than focusing on compliance or discipline, she works to uncover the root causes of a child’s struggles—often lagging skills in areas like flexibility, frustration tolerance, or problem-solving. Through this evidence-based, relationship-centered approach, she empowers families to move from conflict to connection, helping kids feel understood and supported as they grow.

Certified Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT): As a certified provider in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), Giselle brings a brain-based, developmentally informed approach to healing. NMT helps uncover how early life experiences—especially trauma and stress—impact brain development and behavior. By understanding each client’s unique neurological story, Giselle tailors treatment to meet them where they are developmentally, not just emotionally. This approach fosters regulation, resilience, and lasting change, especially for children, teens, and families affected by trauma.

IFS Level 1 Trained: As a therapist trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Giselle helps clients explore the different “parts” of themselves with curiosity and compassion. IFS is a powerful, evidence-based model that supports healing by creating more harmony within—especially when clients feel stuck, conflicted, or overwhelmed by inner criticism or emotional pain. Through this gentle, transformative work, clients learn to connect with their core self and build a deeper sense of wholeness, clarity, and inner calm.

Giselle has specialized training in Child Play Therapy through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy, equipping her to support children in expressing themselves through their natural language—play. This developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed approach helps children process big emotions, navigate challenging experiences, and build emotional resilience in a safe, creative, and engaging environment. Whether a child is coping with anxiety, family transitions, or trauma, play therapy creates space for healing and growth in ways words often cannot.

Giselle is trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) through the DDP Network, having completed both Level 1 and Level 2 training. DDP is a relationship-based, attachment-focused model designed to support children and families affected by early trauma, loss, or disrupted attachment. Grounded in the principles of safety, connection, and attunement, DDP helps children feel seen and understood while guiding caregivers in creating healing, nurturing relationships. This approach is especially beneficial for families navigating adoption, foster care, or complex developmental histories.

Gottman Level I Trained - Giselle specializes in couples therapy, with expertise in relationship assessment, treatment planning, and using Gottman tools to help couples realign and grow together.

Giselle has completed Basic Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through the EMDR Institute, Inc., with a specialized focus on children and adolescents. EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based approach for processing traumatic memories, reducing emotional distress, and building resilience. With developmentally attuned strategies, Giselle helps young clients safely work through difficult experiences—such as grief, anxiety, or past trauma—so they can heal, grow, and thrive.

Somatic Experiencing®: With training in Somatic Experiencing®, Giselle also helps clients tune into their bodies to release stored trauma, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild a felt sense of safety. This body-based work complements talk therapy and is especially helpful for clients experiencing chronic stress, dissociation, or body-based trauma responses.

Giselle is trained in Phase A of the Intergenerational Trauma Treatment Model (ITTM), a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach that begins by supporting the caregiver before engaging the child in trauma work. This model recognizes that healing intergenerational trauma starts with strengthening the caregiver’s own capacity for regulation, reflection, and connection. By helping caregivers process their own trauma and build secure, responsive relationships, ITTM lays the foundation for effective trauma treatment with children and promotes healing across generations.

Memberships- Giselle is a member of Postpartum Support International.

Interests

Child Advocacy
Passionate about promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of children and adolescents, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive.

Parenting & Parenthood
Deeply committed to walking alongside parents in their parenting journey—offering guidance, empathy, and practical tools to strengthen parent-child relationships and support healthy family dynamics.

Education

Master of Social Work, University of Toronto

Bachelor of Social Worker, Western University London, Canada