With a doctorate in behavioral health, master of social worker, and over seven years of experiencing supporting individuals in mental health, I'm dedicated to empowering adults on their journey toward inner peace and resilience. As a combat Air Force Veteran, I have a unique understanding of the challenges many face and am honored to work with veterans and civilians alike. My approach integrates traditional therapeutic techniques with holistic practices, including reiki and Yoga Nidra, fostering a path to healing that respects each person's unique story and strengths.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the initial session, we'll work together to understand your unique journey, challenges, and goals. I'll ask questions about your personal history, current concerns, and any previous therapeutic experiences, so I can tailor our work together. This session also introduces you to various therapy options depending on your interests. We'll set clear objectives and discuss a plan that feels aligned with your needs and comfort level. This session is a safe, welcoming space for you to share openly as we build a foundation of trust.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
1. Empathy and Compassion: As a combat Veteran and experienced mental health professional, I bring deep empathy, understanding, and compassion to clients, especially those with trauma or high-stress backgrounds. 2. Integrative Healing Approach: I am certified in Reiki and I AM Yoga Nidra, alongside my clinical expertise, this enables me to offer a unique blend of holistic and evidence-based therapies, supporting clients in finding healing through multiple pathways. 3. Insight into Trauma and Resilience: I have firsthand experience with complexities of trauma and PTSD which allows me to deeply connect with clients facing similar struggles, offering them a safe space and a pathway to resilience. 4. Commitment to Personal Growth: I am dedicated to continuous learning and development in mental health and wellness; translating to a dynamic and evolving practice that stays responsive to client's needs. 5. Client-Centered Approach: I prioritize understanding each client's unique experiences, creating a therapeutic relationship that values their individual needs, perspectives, and goals.
About Calista Heath-Martinez
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with clients, I focus on helping them understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, often forming patterns that either support or hinder their well-being. With each client, we start by identifying specific thought patterns that are contributing to negative emotions or unhelpful behaviors. For example, many clients with depression may experience pervasive thoughts like "I'm not good enough" or "Things will never get better," which lead to feelings of hopelessness and actions like withdrawal or isolation. Through CBT techniques, we work together to challenge these unhelpful thoughts by evaluating their accuracy, identifying cognitive distortions, and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thoughts. I also guide clients to recognize how these new thoughts can shift their emotional responses and, over time, encourage healthier behaviors. To reinforce these connections, I often use worksheets and thought records that allow clients to visualize how a single thought can trigger a cascade of emotions and actions. By gradually mastering these techniques, clients build resilience and gain tools they can use independently to manage challenges, enhancing their overall mental health and quality of life.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), I help clients process traumatic experiences by addressing the ways these events have shaped their beliefs and perceptions. Many clients I work with have have experienced various types of trauma that profoundly impact how they view themselves, others, and the world. CPT provides a structured way to work through these beliefs and understand how they influence their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In our sessions, we start by discussing the trauma and identifying "stuck points" - rigid or distorted beliefs that have developed as a result of the traumatic experience. These stuck points often contribute to intense symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional numbness. Through structured CPT techniques, I guide clients to challenge these beliefs, examining the evidence against each stuck point. This process helps them to gain a more balanced , nuanced perspective on their trauma and its impact. I also incorporate written impact statements, which allow clients to explore how trauma influenced their lives and identities, and then re-evaluate these insights as they progress through therapy. By reducing the power of these stuck points, many clients find that their PTSD symptoms lessen, they're able to reconnect with loved ones, and they regain a sense of agency in their lives. CPT is transformative in this setting because it not only alleviates distressing symptoms but also fosters a healing narrative. Clients come to see themselves as resilient and capable of moving forward, equipped with tools to handle future challenges. Working with clients in this capacity has been on of the most meaningful aspects of my career, as it allows me to witness profound growth and healing.
Integrative
Integrative therapies, such as reiki, yoga nidra, meditation, and trauma-focused approaches support mental health recovery by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. These therapies work alongside traditional treatments to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and promote a sense of inner peace. Practices like reiki and yoga nidra help calm the nervous system, lower anxiety, and enhance self-awareness. Meditation fosters mindfulness, helping individuals manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, while trauma-focused methods assist in processing and releasing past pain. Together, these inter
Psychoeducation
I use psychoeducation to empower my clients by providing them with knowledge about their mental conditions, the effects on their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the tools available for managing symptoms. I explain the underlying mechanisms of disorders, help them understand treatment options, and guide them in recognizing patterns that impact their well-being. This educational approach not only reduces stigma but also fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, enabling clients to make informed decisions and develop effective coping strategies.