“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
— ALBUS DUMBLEDORE FROM HARRY POTTER
Hello, I am Maria Martinez, pronouns She/her. I am an LMFT, first generation Hispanic/Latina, bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist.
I love working with...
I love working with children, teens, adults, and their families through their emotional experiences and their life challenges such as life transitions including, but not limited to those who are struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress related issues, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief, self-harm, Suicidal Ideation, sexual trauma, attachment issues, cultural trauma, LGBTQIA+, familial issues, divorce and blended families.I also have an extensive experience with behavior, mood, or educationally related concerns in children and adolescents.
Some of my favorite approaches include...
As a therapist the first goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment and the most important is to be able to find a therapist that will work with you and whom you feel comfortable with in order to make the most progress.
I use evidence-based modalities which is cognitive behavioral therapy,Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, play/art therapy, mindfulness, behavior modification, and trauma therapy to tailor my approach to your unique needs. I am also EMDR basic skill trained which is an effective form of therapy for treating trauma.
My role as a therapist is to listen with both an open mind and open heart as well as validate and understand your own lived experiences. I am here to support and explore while providing each individual with the skills to reach their goals and improve their overall well-being. My ultimate goal is to guide and support you through life's many obstacles; starting with self. I want to hear your story, understand your experience, and help you understand the patterns that have persisted in your life. I encourage you to reach out if you are ready to commit to yourself and no one else. You deserve a fresh start.
How I help...
I use a client-centered/Humanistic approach and tailor my approach based on your specific needs.
I believe...
I believe that in order to make change you have to be willing to remain open to the process. The most important requirement for consistent growth and healing is willingness to remain open-minded to change one's mental and behavioral patterns. Let's get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
What it's like in session with me
Usually I tell my clients that our first session is just building rapport. First steps of treatment should be about getting to know you and your therapist. Building rapport is a crucial step to your healing journey. Don't feel pressure to tell me everything. Go with whatever you feel comfortable disclosing and we can go from there.