New to Grow
Therapy can be a space for clarity, growth, and healing. In my practice, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore difficult emotions and experiences. My goal is to help you process what you've been through, build insight, and develop tools to move forward with greater peace and purpose. As a U.S. Army veteran and Licensed Vocational Nurse, I bring a unique perspective shaped by working with diverse populations in a variety of settings. My background in healthcare gives me a deep understanding of both emotional and physical pain—and the resilience of the human spirit. I’m here to support you on your path to healing and emotional wellness
During our first session, I'll will introduce myself and explain all of the practice policies and procedures. Once we get all the legal stuff out of the way, we will begin in which ever way you would like or need too. I would like to remind you that this space is your space and it starts being your space from the first second we begin. After hearing a little bit about you, I will tell you how I generally practice and how I think that I can help you and collaborate with you on a potential treatment plan.
When you enter a session with me, it won’t feel like you’re in a traditional therapy room being analyzed from behind a notepad. My sessions are highly interactive and tailored specifically to your unique needs. I focus on you as a whole person, not just chasing symptoms. We are both human, and I bring my personality into the room to create a genuine, collaborative space where you feel seen and understood.
Welcome. My name is Joseph Martinez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pasadena, California, and seeing people by Telehealth and in person. I work with teens, adults, and couples primarily focusing on trauma, sexual addictions, betrayal trauma, and grief. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and EMDR to help you work through these difficult times and hopefully feel better. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and after working with you to determine your needs and what works best for you, we go from there.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy that explores how unconscious thoughts, early relationships, and past experiences shape present emotions, behaviors, and patterns. Together, we will examine how past relationships and unresolved conflicts throughout your life may be contributing to your current symptoms and challenges. I strive to create a safe, open, and supportive environment where you can explore these experiences, gain insight, and work toward meaningful change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As a certified CBT therapist, I use evidence-based CBT techniques to help reduce symptoms, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies. Together, we will work toward creating lasting change and creating a more balanced and hopeful outlook.
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy approach designed to help people process and heal from distressing or traumatic memories. It uses guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, while the client briefly focuses on difficult experiences. This process helps the brain reprocess memories so they become less emotionally intense and more adaptive, reducing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional distress.