Stefani Garcia, Life Coach on Influential Women
Verified Member

Influential Woman · Mental health

Stefani Garcia

Life Coach, Darkness to Wellness

San Diego, CA 92108

6Years experience
2Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Saybrook University - PhD, Psych Degree National University - MA, Human Behavior Degree California State University-San Bernardino - BA, Psych Cert Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor I (CATC-I) – California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)

Her Story

About Stefani

Stefani Garcia is a Counselor, intuitive healer, and mental health advocate with over a decade of experience guiding individuals toward greater emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. She began her career in the mental health field in 2011, driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and a desire to contribute to a more compassionate world. Throughout her career, Stefani gained experience across various mental health organizations, where she developed expertise in counseling, behavioral health, and therapeutic support. However, she became increasingly aware of the challenges within the industry, including profit-driven models, unethical practices, and approaches that prioritized systems over people. These experiences inspired her to create a practice centered on authenticity, compassion, and genuine human connection. In 2020, Stefani took a courageous step by launching her own business, choosing to build a career aligned with her values and mission of helping others. As the founder of Darkness To Wellness, she integrates her professional education, personal experiences, and holistic practices to create individualized paths toward healing and self-discovery. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology with a specialization in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health at Saybrook University and holds a Master of Arts in Human Behavior from National University. Her areas of expertise include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, crisis intervention, psychoanalysis, and shadow work.Her work has been recognized by publications including FabFitFun, SDVoyager, Shoutout SoCal, and Beauty Stoned for her commitment to promoting mental wellness and personal transformation. Stefani attributes her success to her determination, compassion, and ability to show up with purpose every day. She believes that by caring for herself and bringing her authentic self to her work, she can positively influence one person at a time and create a lasting ripple effect. Guided by values of love, spirituality, family, friendship, empathy, dependability, optimism, gratitude, and compassion, she strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel valued and understood. Stefani encourages young women entering the mental health field to trust their intuition, prioritize self-care, continue pursuing their dreams, and believe in their ability to make a meaningful impact.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Stefani

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my determination, compassion, and commitment to showing up with purpose every day. I believe that when I take care of myself and bring my best to the people and opportunities in front of me, I have the ability to make a meaningful impact. Even influencing one person can create a ripple effect, inspiring them to positively impact others. My drive, resilience, and passion for helping people are what motivate me to continue growing and making a difference.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I have received comes from both inspiring thought leaders and the people who shaped my life long before my professional journey began. I have drawn inspiration from individuals like Esther Hicks of Abraham-Hicks and Tony Robbins, whose teachings on personal growth, mindset, and intentional living have encouraged me to continue evolving both personally and professionally. However, the greatest lessons I carry with me came from my great-grandparents, who lovingly raised me and taught me the importance of kindness, compassion, integrity, and genuinely caring for others. Their example showed me that true character is reflected in our everyday actions and how we treat the people around us. Although they are no longer with me, their influence continues to guide my work, my relationships, and my purpose. The empathy and dedication I bring to my career are rooted in the values they instilled in me, and I strive to honor their legacy by helping others heal and feel supported with the same grace and compassion they showed me.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering my industry is to trust their instincts and believe in themselves. There will be moments of uncertainty and people who may encourage you to question your own intuition, but if something does not feel right, trust that feeling and have the courage to act on it. It is also essential to make time for yourself and prioritize your own well-being, because you cannot effectively support others if you are not taking care of yourself first. Continue to pursue your goals, dream boldly, and remember that your growth and success come from staying true to who you are and believing in the value you bring.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field come from creating a more compassionate, authentic, and person-centered approach to mental health care. Throughout my career, I have seen the importance of balancing established systems with the need to truly understand and support each individual’s unique journey. Rather than allowing industry challenges to discourage me, they have strengthened my commitment to providing care rooted in empathy, integrity, and meaningful connection. Building my own path required courage, resilience, and a strong belief in my mission to help others heal. I view every challenge as an opportunity for growth and transformation, allowing me to continue creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered. Through a combination of professional experience, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and holistic practices, I remain dedicated to helping people embrace their healing journey and build lives centered on resilience, purpose, and hope.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are love, spirituality, family, friendship, empathy, dependability, optimism, gratitude, and compassion. These principles guide the way I show up for myself and for others, allowing me to lead with authenticity, kindness, and genuine care. I believe in being open, honest, and fully present, creating meaningful connections through vulnerability and understanding. In my work with patients, I strive to meet each person with compassion and acceptance, walking alongside them with empathy and support while honoring their unique experiences and journeys.

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