About Me:

My approach is rooted in the principle that, as we move through life, we naturally develop ways to protect ourselves from discomfort and emotional pain. Over time, these protective patterns can become so automatic that we may not even be aware of them. They can quietly shape how we experience the world—and how we experience ourselves—often leaving us feeling disconnected from what we truly feel or need.

In our work together, I will serve as a compassionate sounding board and unwavering guide. My role is to gently reflect what I notice—whether it is in your words, your body language, or a shift in tone. I listen attentively for subtle signals, the quiet “soul whispers” that may be trying to convey important insights beneath the surface. This approach is both body-language focused and emotion-based, designed to honor your lived experience and foster deeper self-awareness.

Sometimes, I may invite you to try expressive techniques to help bring awareness to parts of your experience that feel unclear or hard to access. The goal isn’t to make a drastic change, but rather to help you hear yourself more clearly, so you can move toward greater balance, clarity, and inner peace. Occasionally, people decide to make shifts after gaining this new awareness, adjustments that stem from a deeper understanding of themselves as a whole.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, glasses, and hoop earrings, smiling in a casual beige top, sitting indoors with a blurred background featuring brick walls and signs.

Dr. Yvonne Garza-Chaves is an accomplished expert in counseling, having earned her Ph.D. with a focus on expressive arts. She has 20 years of experience as a university professor, where she teaches counseling courses and supervises graduate students seeking licensure as counselors.

Her extensive clinical experience encompasses impactful work with children and families in various settings. Dr. Garza-Chaves has authored 51 publications and delivered over 70 presentations at conferences, showcasing her research in expressive arts, counseling Hispanic individuals, sandtray therapy, and counselor supervision. Her expertise has led her to lecture at esteemed universities in Costa Rica and Mexico, and she actively mentors several doctoral students.

With over 20 years as a counselor and more than 30 years in the helping profession, Dr. Garza-Chaves is a leading figure in her field.

  • Yvonne Garza-Chaves, Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

  • Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S)

  • License # = Texas 60365

  • Certified Humanistic Sandtray Therapist (CHST)

  • Registered Play Therapist