O: 956-615-0440; C: 956-220-7002
My Story
Graciela Martinez-Vela, MS, NCAC I, LCDC, CART, LPC Intern Supervised by Jesse Hernandez, MA, LPC-S, LCDC
First, I want to start by saying hello and welcome! My story is not very different than others who seek counseling, however the experiences are personal to each individual going through them. Therefore, I recognize that there are no two individuals exactly alike. Through my own personal life experiences, I have seen how complicated and sometimes intimidating moments provide a unique opportunity for self-discovery. So, no matter how alone, tired, or confused you feel in this chaotic storm, don’t drift away. I am here to help you, to support you and to listen to you.
In theory, I am a humanist and a spiritual person whose approach is person-centered. I believe each person is good and they have the power to make their own decision. Therefore, I embrace all points of view. It provides an incentive to becoming more aware of the mind, body and soul. As a humanist, my goal is to help you find purpose and meaning to life. We will work together in a safe, confidential, and therapeutic environment using a diverse set of counseling techniques tailored to meet your specific needs.
With seventeen years in direct-care service with clients who have substance use and co-occurring disorders, I understand the pressures and the array of issues many client’s and their families face. I have worked in a variety of settings (outpatient treatment; halfway house, jails, local mental health authority, etc.) providing individual, group and family treatment services. Populations served: Adolescent, adults, treatment for specialized women, criminal justice, and the under-served communities.
There is hope! We all aspire to be more, to feel complete, to achieve balance, and to be the best version of ourselves, so take the first step. "I can. I will. I am."
#thinkitspeakitwriteitliveit
Let our journey begin!
Education
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 (LPC) Intern #83603, Texas Department of State Health Services. Supervised by Jesse Hernandez, MA, LPC-S, LCDC
When she is not at Kardia Mind Body Soul, she is providing substance use counseling & conducting evaluations to individuals who have a DOT or Non-DOT Drug/Alcohol Violation going through a process to return to work. She also provides mental health services through La Familia Counseling and Consulting Services being supervised by Jesse Hernandez, MA, LPC-S, LCDC.
For more information contact Gracie at 956-608-9967.
More about Gracie: She is bilingual (English & Spanish). She enjoys watching movies, listening to music, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves arts and crafts, traveling, and gardening. She has an appreciation for innovative and creative ways to help others as she understands we all process experiences differently.