Grazel Garcia, LMFT

About Grazel

Hi, I’m Grazel — and I’m happy you are here

I was born in Manila, Philippines and in 1994 I permanently migrated to Los Angeles, CA to be with family. My pronouns are she/her/hers and I identify as Asian Pacific Islander (API). I also speak Tagalog — the native language of the Philippines, which pre-colonization was known as the “Island of the Painted Ones.”

As a bilingual Filipino-American psychotherapist who immigrated to the United States in 1994, I carry with me the deep awareness of how colonization has shaped both my homeland and my perspective on healing. Coming from a country with a complex history of Spanish and American colonization, I intimately understand how historical trauma and cultural displacement influence mental health across generations.

I vividly remember my first advocacy experience at age 7 when my dad carried me onto his shoulders to join my family and many others in the People Power Revolution of the Philippines in 1986 — which ended the 20-year dictatorship and restored democracy. My ability to speak both English and Tagalog allows me to connect more deeply with Filipino clients and better understand the nuances of cultural expression that often get lost in translation.

Prior to becoming a therapist, my path was uniquely enriched by my previous career in law. This background, combined with my Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology, informs a rigorous, justice-oriented approach to clinical work.

I am a certified Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapist and an EFT Supervisor candidate. I specialize in working with entertainment industry professionals, diverse relationship structures — including monogamous, consensual non-monogamy, mono-polyamorous, and kink-BDSM couples. My practice is deeply rooted in being LGBTQIA+ affirmative, neurodiverse-affirming, and kink-BDSM aware.

Additionally, I bring specialized expertise as a grief and loss therapist, addiction specialist, domestic violence certified therapist, and Brainspotting practitioner for trauma treatment. Outside of the therapy room, I train other therapists locally on neurodiversity affirmative care for couples and am part of the EFTCLA EFT training team and head of the EFTCLA steering committee.

Upcoming: Couples’ Retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — a Hold Me Tight® intensive for couples ready to deepen their bond.