Grief counselors and therapists in Deland, FL

Luis R. Garcia, M.A., LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with clarity, empowerment, and practical solutions. He brings more than 15 years of clinical experience to his work, offering a grounded, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to healing.

Xiara Reyes is a seasoned mental health and substance use disorder counselor with over 22 years of dedicated experience in the field. She holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University and is an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist.

My background includes trauma, substance use, crisis intervention, anxiety, OCD, and relationship challenges. I am especially passionate about supporting marginalized communities, particularly women and teens, while creating an inclusive and affirming space for all identities and lived experiences. I believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and helping people feel less alone in what they carry.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to each individual rather than forcing clients into one specific framework. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a reprocessing therapy similar to EMDR. I draw from these approaches based on your unique needs, personality, and goals while balancing evidence-based interventions with authenticity, humor, compassion, and occasional tough love.

I have more than 25 years of experience assessing and treating adolescents, adults, and families. While I appreciate numerous approaches, my patients have stated that I provide a melding of both direct and indirect styles. In other words, my standard of care is challenging and supportive. More often than not, you won’t leave a session wondering what’s next.

Dr. Jeni Allissun Upton (Groot) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and co-owner of Hope in the Gale Therapeutic Healing where she provides individual and group therapy, collaborates to curate tailored wellness services, and consults on areas related to psychology and trauma. Jeni has worked in diverse settings with youth, adults, and families as a counselor supporting clients as they strive to bolster their mental health, build resilience, and find joy in life. Jeni also has a background in military and federal service. Her 13-year military career included work as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations where she specialized in crimes against children and counterintelligence. Jeni also spent ten years with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers as a Research Psychologist, Behavioral Science Division Program Manager, and Counterterrorism Division Branch Chief.

Jeni holds Associate of Arts Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in both Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a PhD in International Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma Services.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying anxiety, depression, mood changes, or emotions that seem difficult to manage on your own. I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel heard without judgment and supported through life's challenges. Whether you're navigating ADHD, bipolar disorder, anger management concerns, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, identity questions, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to help you better understand yourself while building the tools you need to move forward. I work with both adolescents and adults, recognizing that every stage of life brings unique experiences and obstacles. Together, we'll create a supportive, collaborative environment where you can explore what's weighing on you, discover your strengths, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

I am a compassionate listener who is focused on helping to improve our patient's quality of life.

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.