Thrive Counseling - FL, NJ & GA

When it came to entrusting a counselor to help get through a transition, A.J. Garcia with Thrive Counseling was a true blessing. She cares deeply about her clients and works with them to help them be the best versions of themselves by looking at the most important relationship we have to grow: the one with ourselves first. She has an uncanny ability to actually listen and guide her clients to unpack what may be holding them back from leading whole and successful lives. I strongly recommend A.J. to all those struggling with any type of relationship, to heal the past, be present in the now, and look forward to the future.

Working with A.J. Garcia as a supervisee when I was first starting out in the field of counseling was an incredibly valuable experience. A.J. has a natural ability to teach, guide, and support beginning therapists in a way that feels both grounded and encouraging. Her clinical expertise is clear in the way she approaches complex cases, and her ability to genuinely connect with clients is something I’ve always admired. Even now, she remains a trusted resource for consultation and referrals—someone I continue to turn to for insight and perspective.

I entered high school very much alone and insecure. I found my way to A.J.. She helped me realize that my problems don't define me: it's what I decide to do with them. My circumstances don't make me: I do. She helped me with coping skills so that when problems do arise, I can not only handle them, but I can resolve them correctly and responsibly. I've learned to be more receptive to people and get over my insecurities and build my self confidence and self esteem. She has built me up as a friend, as a daughter, and a person, spiritually and emotionally as well as physically. I am very grateful to God for bringing her into my life.

A.J. Garcia is an outstanding therapist. My son had a hard time managing his emotions. He would get very angry, didn't really care about school and was failing some of his classes. After a few months with A.J. I saw a substantial change. He controls his anger much better, in fact he hardly gets angry anymore, he is thriving in school and is a much happier teenager. The work A.J. has done is invaluable. I confidently recommend to anyone looking to improve their own lives or the lives of their loved ones. 

It's hard to explain the impact that A.J. had on me, the growth I experienced while working with her and the foundation that was built then and how it continues to evolve and thrive due to the education and experiences bought to me. If you're gonna work with anyone. Work with Thrive Counseling.

I’ve been seeing A.J. for a few years and it has been exceptionally beneficial. She takes you for who you are, see’s you as an individual, and creates a session that works for you emotionally. She’s helped me grow as a person, to be better for myself, my family, and she has helped me take down walls that I’m not even aware I had and I am eternally grateful for the work and time she has put in with me. I’ve gone from being completely closed off to wanted to talk and grow and live an active life. I still have anxiety and I still get down but she has given me the tools necessary to power through and keep going.

Having A.J. as my supervisor during my early years as a therapist was such a gift. She played a huge role in helping me build confidence, especially when it came to connecting with the kids at the school. I learned so much just by watching how naturally and authentically she engaged with them — it was clear that she saw and valued each child for who they were. A.J. was always encouraging, and her feedback was thoughtful and grounded in both compassion and clinical insight. Her guidance helped shape my therapeutic approach in ways that I still carry with me today. She is an amazing human being.

Since meeting with A.J., I have improved in a lot of qualities where I need a lot of work in. Prior to joining this amazing program, I had a difficult time controlling my anger, I had home issues that I didn't know how to cope with, and inner issues where I desperately needed guidance. It took time, but eventually I've seen progress in myself. Through all the activities, group and individual sessions, I learned to control my anger, I learned ways to cope with home, and I received the guidance that I needed. All I can say now is "Thank you, A.J., I'm a better me, because of you!​

We’re so happy we made the decision to have our daughter talk with someone about her anxiety and reaching out to A.J. was definitely the right decision. She immediately made us feel comfortable. Each time our daughter left a session, it was like the weight of the world had left her shoulders…I’d tell A.J., “it’s like she has a little pep in her step after she talks to you!” We’re so grateful for how well A.J. listens and for the “tools” she gave our daughter to handle different situations, empower herself, and overcome much of her anxiety. It’s nice to know we can count on A.J. whenever we may need her!

Being a child who has dealt with depression and daily tasks since a young age, I've talked to many counselors and many mentors who haven't quite understood me and only frustrated me further more. Dealing with my sexuality, having to take care of my grandma while she was suffering from cancer, and having family issues as well, I quickly got lost and A.J. was definitely there to guide me, which was really nice.