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.

Support Staff- Records Dept

ASHLEY CASTILLO, RECORDS SPECIALIST

Hello, my name is Ashley Castillo, and I serve as a Records Specialist at Just Breathe Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, PLLC. In this role, I manage client communications, organize records, and prepare detailed reports to support the counseling team. My responsibilities include answering client inquiries, monitoring and tracking requests, and ensuring that all documentation is handled accurately, promptly, and with the highest level of confidentiality.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in May 2024, and I plan to pursue a Master’s in Counseling as the next step in my professional journey. My current position has given me valuable exposure to the counseling field and strengthened my appreciation for ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional communication. Through this work, I have gained first-hand experience in the organizational and administrative foundations that ensure effective counseling services, while preparing for my future career as a counselor.

ISIEL MARTINEZ, PRESENTATION DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Hello everyone! My name is Isiel Martinez, and I serve as the Presentation Development Specialist for Just Breathe Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching, PLLC.

In my role, I focus on creating engaging, informative, and visually impactful presentations on topics such as substance abuse, psychological well-being, drug-related issues, and healthy coping strategies. My goal is to deliver clear, accessible, and meaningful content that educates and empowers the audiences we serve.

Through my work, I have developed strong skills in transforming complex information into presentations that are easy to understand, professional, and impactful. I strive to ensure that each presentation not only supports our staff and clients in reaching their goals, but also resonates with audiences in a way that inspires learning, self-management, and healing.

I take pride in being detail-oriented and conscientious, bringing together knowledge, professionalism, and creativity in every project. Whether presenting to clients, colleagues, or the broader community, I aim to foster clarity, inspire awareness, and provide a sense of connection and comfort through effective communication.