My name is Leo Martinez and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience. I specialize in mental health wellness with a concentration on substance use and psychiatric disorders. As a faculty member for Gorski CENAPS I teach and share ways that I have used his model both with clients and personally as a person in long term recovery. Previously, I was a professor at California State University East Bay teaching Masters level students clinical theory and skills. My greatest honor though has been my service as a Marine where I learned leadership, the importance of camaraderie, and how to access resilience even when I felt defeated. As a husband and father of three, family is my foundation. With my Salvadoran-American background and fluency in Spanish, I connect with diverse communities and also normalize the importance of mental health services in BIPOC populations. I currently own Mind Garden, a wellness collective offering holistic mental health services to anyone interested in maximizing self-care. At our practice we promote healing through community and evidence-based practices like relapse prevention therapy which has been some of my.most effective work. Lastly, and the joy of my career, I am an associate supervisor training future clinicians to do this work. It’s a reminder of how students can be the greatest teachers and the greatest motivators to reengage in continued growth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Welcome to your journey towards healing and self-discovery! As your dedicated clinical therapist, I am committed to providing you with a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Together, we will embark on a collaborative journey towards understanding and growth. You can expect a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs and goals. Through evidence-based practices, compassionate listening, and empathetic support, we will work together to develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate resilience. I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. Together, we will navigate the challenges you face and celebrate the milestones you achieve. I look forward to the opportunity to accompany you on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Family-Centered Approach: My strong foundation as a husband and father of three reflects my understanding of the importance of familial relationships and support systems in mental health. This translates into my therapeutic approach, where I emphasize the significance of family dynamics and relationships in the healing process. Cultural Competency and Diversity: My Salvadoran-American background and fluency in Spanish enable me to connect deeply with diverse communities, particularly BIPOC populations. My ability to understand and empathize with clients from various cultural backgrounds fosters trust and rapport in therapeutic relationships. Holistic Wellness Advocacy: as the owner of Mind Garden, my wellness collective, I promote holistic mental health services, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support. My dedication to offering comprehensive care suggests a commitment to addressing clients' needs on multiple levels: emotional, physical, and social. Evidence-Based Practice: My incorporation of evidence-based practices like relapse prevention therapy demonstrates my commitment to offering effective, research-supported interventions to my clients. This ensures that my clients receive high-quality care that is backed by empirical evidence. Supervisory and Training Skills: My role as an associate supervisor reflects my dedication to mentoring and training future clinicians. By sharing my knowledge and experience with aspiring therapists, I contribute to the growth and development of the mental health field, while also continually learning and evolving myself. Overall, my strengths lie in my ability to integrate personal values, cultural competence, evidence-based practices, and mentorship to provide comprehensive and effective mental health services to a diverse range of clients.