Danet Martinez-Ruiz

LMHC, 5 years of experience

Authentic
Humorous
Intelligent
Virtual
Next available on

I'm a bilingual licensed psychotherapist (LMHC) based in Miami, originally from Puerto Rico. I provide individual therapy in both English and Spanish, creating a space where you don’t have to explain your culture, your identity or why you feel like you don’t quite fit in. I earned my Master’s in Psychology from Albizu University and my Bachelor’s degree back home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, shaping my ability to blend cultural sensitivity with evidence-based care. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, identity struggles, relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, and the unique experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. My style is warm, honest, and a little humorous when it helps, because healing doesn’t have to be scripted. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, emotionally drained, or stuck in survival mode, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Healing isn’t about rushing toward a silver lining. Some pain doesn’t come with a lesson and that’s totally fine. I believe healing is still possible, even in the darkest moments, not because we need to erase the pain, but because we learn to sit with it, honor it, and grow from it only when we’re ready!

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

We’ll have a real conversation, not a performance, not a diagnosis machine. That said, I’ll be honest: first sessions can feel a little awkward or structured, especially since I’ll be asking you a lot of personal (medical, family, symptoms, etc.) questions to better understand your background and goals. That’s totally normal. But after that, it’s a different vibe. I’m not a super structured therapist, because I don’t believe life is structured. Things shift. Emotions come up. So I adapt and I want therapy to feel like a space where you can do the same. You don’t have to show up with perfect answers or know exactly where to start. I’ll guide us through what’s important, but I’ll always leave space for what matters to you in the moment. If something’s heavy, we can sit with it. If you need to lighten the mood, I’m always down for some humor too. The first session is just a starting point, where we begin getting to know each other and start building something that’s real and helpful, not rehearsed.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My approach is client-centered and integrative, blending evidence-based techniques with curiosity, empathy, humor and real talk. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Each person brings a different story and I meet you there, adapting to what you need rather than following a rigid script. Whether we’re working through anxiety, identity questions, grief or toxic relationship patterns, I focus on building a space that feels honest, safe and human. As a Latina and LGBTQ+ therapist, I understand the unspoken layers that culture, identity, and family expectations can bring into the room. You don’t need to translate your experience for me, I get it. And if you’re someone who’s always felt like the strong one, the fixer, or the one carrying everyone else’s emotions, I see you too. I’ve also been in therapy myself. I’ve sat with the hard stuff. That experience has shaped the way I show up as a therapist, not to make it about me, but to let you know that healing isn’t about rushing into a silver lining. Some pain doesn’t come with a lesson and that’s totally fine! We can sit with what’s real, not just what’s easy. My role is to help you feel seen, grounded, and supported, not pushed to be anyone but yourself.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I love working with people from the LGBTQ+ community, Latinx clients, and those navigating the aftermath of narcissistic abuse or emotionally toxic relationships. If you’re struggling to set boundaries, questioning your worth, or trying to break free from patterns that keep pulling you back in, this is the kind of work I care deeply about. I also support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and self-esteem struggles. Whether you’re emotionally exhausted from always being the “strong one", or simply tired of second-guessing yourself, I’m here to help you reconnect with clarity and self-trust. I build trust by taking the time to understand your story before offering challenge or insight. I won’t just nod along, I’ll ask the hard questions when it feels right, offer a reality check when needed, and celebrate your wins every step of the way. I enjoy working with clients who are open to reflection, ready to name limiting beliefs, and willing to explore new ways of relating to themselves and others. Therapy with me is honest, collaborative, and built around you, not who you think you need to be!

About Danet Martinez-Ruiz

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship concerns. My approach is collaborative and practical, focusing on challenging cognitive distortions, developing coping strategies, and fostering healthier perspectives. I tailor CBT to each client’s unique needs, ensuring a supportive and affirming space.

Psychodynamic

I use Psychodynamic Therapy to help clients explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape their present emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Through deep self-reflection, we uncover underlying conflicts, unresolved emotions, and recurring themes that may be influencing current struggles. My approach is insight-oriented and collaborative, helping clients gain awareness, process emotions, and develop healthier patterns. I create a safe and affirming space where clients can explore their inner world at their own pace, sometimes incorporating humor to make the process more approachable and engaging.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I use Person-Centered Therapy to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard, accepted, and empowered. My approach is collaborative and client-driven, focusing on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuine support to help individuals explore their emotions and personal growth at their own pace. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives, and my role is to guide them toward self-discovery, resilience, and meaningful change.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to help clients identify strengths, set goals, and create practical strategies for positive change. Rather than dwelling on problems, we focus on solutions, progress, and what’s already working. My approach is collaborative and future-oriented, empowering clients to develop clear, achievable steps toward their desired outcomes. I create a supportive and motivating space, were clients leave sessions with new insights, confidence, and actionable strategies to move forward.