Therapist & Founder
GRACIELA MARTINEZ-VELA, MS, LCP, LCDC, NCC, NCAC I (Qualified Substance Abuse Professional)
First, I want to start by saying hello and welcome! I am the founder and owner of Just Breathe Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching PLLC. My story is similar to others who are seeking help. Through my personal life experiences, I have seen how complicated and sometimes intimidating moments can be. Yet, they provide a unique opportunity for self-discovery. Despite my own experience, I understand that each experience is personal to each individual going through it and I recognize that there are no two individuals exactly alike. My approach is individualized to each person I meet.
In theory, I am a humanist and a spiritual person whose approach is person-centered. Each person is good, and they have the power to make their own decision. Therefore, I embrace all points of view. It incentivizes one to become more aware of the mind, body, and soul. As a humanist, I aim to help you find purpose and meaning in life. We will work together in a safe, confidential, and therapeutic environment using diverse counseling techniques tailored to your needs.
With 20 years in direct-care service with clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders, I understand the pressures and the array of issues many clients and their families face. I have worked in various settings (outpatient treatment, the halfway house, jails, local mental health authority, and other private practices), providing individual, group, couples and family counseling services. Populations served: Adolescent, adults, treatment for specialized women, criminal justice, and the under-served communities.
So, don't drift away no matter how alone, tired, or confused you feel in this chaotic storm. I am here to help you, to support you, and to listen to you. There is hope! We all aspire to be more, feel complete, achieve balance, and be the best version of ourselves, so take the first step. "I can. I will. I am." #thinkitwriteitspeakitliveit #simplyl.i.v.e.
Let our journey begin!
LCDC #10008; NCAC I #014423; SAP #13387; LPC #83603; NCC #1726674
Graciela's Education & Credentials:
- December 2001, BA in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.
- December 2005, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) #10008, Texas Department of State Health Services.
- January 2006, Nationally Certified Addictions Counselor Level I (NCAC-I) #014423 through the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).
- October 2006, Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) #13387, NAADAC.
- March 2012, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist through the Center for Anger Resolution, Inc.
- October 2019, Masters of Science in Professional Counseling from a CACREP accredited program, Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
- February 2020, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate #83603, Texas Department of State Health Services. Supervised by Jesse Hernandez, MA, LPC-S, LCDC
- November 2020, Graduate Certificate of Completion- Life Coaching, Grand Canyon University
- June 23, 2023, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #83603, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
- June 30, 2023, National Certified Counselor (NCC) #1726674, National Board for Certified Counselors
Support Staff
VALERIA GARZA, OFFICE MGR & RTD CASE COORDINATOR
Hi everyone! My name is Valeria Garza. I am the Office Manager and RTD Case Coordinator for Just Breathe Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, PLLC. As an office manager, my responsibilities include but are not limited to ensuring the accuracy of and assisting as needed with all office functions. Duties include the check-in/check-out of each client, payment collection and entry of services through proper submission of documents, scheduling, insurance verification, and answering phones. As the RTD case coordinator, my main focus is facilitating the services recommended by the Qualified SAP while promoting the client's self-management and independence as they meet recommendations set by their Qualified SAP.
Through this experience, I have been fortunate enough to obtain the knowledge, skills, and proper training to assist the staff and clients in reaching their goals. I strive to be conscientious with all individuals I come across in helping. I aim to create a safe and comfortable work environment for all who enter Just Breathe Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, PLLC. We make you our priority.
Apart from Just Breathe, I enjoy crafting, creating personalized items, and, most importantly, spending time with my family.