LCSW, 4 years of experience
I’m a bicultural psychotherapist, born in Brownsville, Texas and raised in Matamoros, Mexico. My personal journey through life’s ups and downs is what led me to this work and continues to shape how I show up for others today. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Certified Grief Counselor (C-GC) through the American Academy of Grief Counseling, my primary focus is on helping individuals navigate grief, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ support, trauma, and life transitions with care and cultural understanding. I know how heavy life can feel sometimes, and I believe deeply in the power of being truly seen and heard in a safe space. My goal is to create that space, one that’s warm, compassionate, and judgment-free, where healing can begin and you don’t have to carry everything on your own.
In our first session, my main goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where you can feel free to share whatever is on your mind. We’ll spend time getting to know each other, and you can talk about the challenges you’re facing or anything that feels important to you. I’ll listen with understanding and respect, and together we’ll start to figure out how therapy can best support you. We’ll also talk about confidentiality, so you know your privacy is protected, and I’ll explain how the therapy process works. This is the beginning of building trust, and I want you to feel heard and supported every step of the way.
I am a compassionate and attentive listener, dedicated to supporting you on your healing journey. Together, we will identify the root causes of your challenges and develop a personalized plan to address them.
I’m here to support individuals facing grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I also work closely with LGBTQ+ clients who want a safe, affirming, and culturally sensitive space to explore their identity and mental health. As a bilingual therapist fluent in English and Spanish, I provide care that respects your language and cultural background. My approach is compassionate and judgment-free, focused on meeting you where you are and helping you heal and grow at your own pace.
1 rating with written reviews
July 27, 2025
Very insightful. Makes you feel comfortable enough to want to continue improving your mental health.
Rafael Martinez offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Texas.
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. We work together to understand how these thoughts impact their emotions and actions. Through techniques like cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments, clients learn to replace unhelpful thoughts with more balanced ones and develop healthier coping strategies. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make positive changes and improve their overall well-being.
In my practice, I use Psychodynamic Therapy to help clients explore and understand their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. This approach involves discussing current difficulties, fears, desires, and dreams to uncover underlying emotional conflicts. By gaining insight into these hidden aspects, clients can better understand how their past influences their present behavior and relationships. This deeper self-awareness allows them to make more informed choices and develop healthier patterns in their lives.
In my practice, I use Humanistic Therapy to help clients realize their full potential and foster personal growth. This approach emphasizes the individual’s capacity for self-awareness and self-actualization. We focus on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their feelings and experiences openly. By emphasizing personal strengths and encouraging self-exploration, clients are empowered to make meaningful changes and lead more fulfilling lives.
In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change. This approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration, evocation, and autonomy. We work together to empower clients by validating their experiences and fostering a sense of self-efficacy. By exploring their motivations and values, clients can develop strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals. This client-centered method supports clients in making meaningful changes by enhancing their intrinsic motivation and commitment to change.
In my practice, I use Feminist Therapy to help clients understand and address the impact of societal and cultural factors on their mental health. This approach emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging systemic oppression, discrimination, and gender biases. We work together to empower clients by validating their experiences and fostering a sense of agency. By exploring the influence of social structures on personal issues, clients can develop strategies to overcome these challenges and achieve greater self-empowerment.