Dr. Kimberly Martin, LP - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Dr. Kimberly Martin

Dr. Kimberly Martin

(she/her)

LP
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals ready to make meaningful life changes. My work is best done with in-person sessions. My approach is holistic, recognizing the importance of addressing the whole person—mind, body, and emotions—while focusing on both personal growth and healing. I specialize in guiding clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, stress management, and self-development by offering a safe, supportive space for reflection and growth. At the core of my practice is Adlerian therapy, which helps clients understand how their early experiences and social context shape their current behaviors and perceptions. By exploring these patterns, I help individuals gain deeper insight into the reasons behind their actions and how they can make intentional changes moving forward. I combine Adlerian principles with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking, and I integrate mindfulness-based practices and somatic techniques to foster greater emotional regulation and body awareness. I work well with clients who are motivated and mature enough to take responsibility for their behaviors and are open to introspection. My ideal clients are those who are seeking to not only understand themselves on a deeper level but also take practical steps to improve their lives. Whether a client is navigating personal or professional transitions, struggling with anxiety or stress, or simply seeking personal growth, I provide the tools and support needed to create lasting change. Together, we will develop a personalized plan to help clients build resilience, gain insight into their experiences, and move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. My role is to guide clients on their journey of self-discovery and transformation, empowering them to achieve their goals and live the life they desire.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive environment where we begin by completing any remaining paperwork and addressing logistical details. This session is an opportunity to discuss the client's presenting concerns and start building a solid therapeutic relationship. I will conduct a personalized, formal intake, gathering relevant past information, including personal history, family dynamics, and current life circumstances. This includes an expanded bio-psycho-social interview, exploring various aspects of the client's life, such as mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. Clients can share their thoughts on the challenges or issues that led them to seek therapy, ask questions, and express any specific goals they hope to achieve. We'll also discuss the initial course of treatment, including the frequency of sessions, and collaboratively determine a plan moving forward. The first session is about developing rapport and ensuring clients feel comfortable and heard. My goal is to create a space where clients can begin to explore their concerns openly and know they are supported as we work toward positive change.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lies in my strong foundation in Adlerian therapy, which allows me to deeply understand how early life experiences and social dynamics shape behavior. My lived experiences also enrich my practice, giving me a unique perspective and ability to relate to clients meaningfully. With years of experience as a clinician, I have developed a nuanced understanding of various therapeutic approaches, and I am able to integrate these methods effectively. Additionally, my directness helps clients address issues head-on, fostering an honest and supportive therapeutic relationship that promotes growth and positive change.

About Dr. Kimberly Martin

Specializes in

AnxietyDepressionGriefLGBTQSelf Esteem

Address

100 M Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20003, 600

Appointments

In Person

My treatment methods

Adlerian

PLEASE SCHEDULE A 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION BEFORE A FULL INTAKE SESSION. My strong preference for treating individuals in with in-person sessions. In my practice, I draw deeply from Adlerian therapy, a treatment method that emphasizes the holistic nature of the individual and their striving for significance within a social context. Adlerian therapy considers each person's unique lifestyle, goals, and social relationships, recognizing that all behavior is purposeful and aimed toward achieving a sense of belonging and significance. With over 14 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, I have integrated Adlerian principles to support clients in understanding how their early experiences shape their current perceptions and behaviors. Together, we explore how feelings of inferiority, which often arise in childhood, may be influencing their current challenges, and work toward fostering a sense of agency and empowerment. In my practice, I use Adlerian therapy to help clients identify and challenge self-limiting beliefs, discover healthier ways to connect with others and develop greater resilience. Through encouragement and active collaboration, I assist clients in creating more meaningful and fulfilling lives, all while focusing on their strengths and inherent potential.

Mind-body approach

In my practice, I incorporate somatic therapy to address the connection between the mind and body, recognizing that emotional experiences are not only cognitive but also stored physically. With extensive training in mind-body practices such as advanced mind-body medicine, yoga therapy, and Zena Rommett Floor-Barre®, I guide clients through techniques that help them become more attuned to their body's sensations, using this awareness to process trauma, reduce stress, and foster healing. Somatic therapy in my practice involves techniques like breathwork, mindfulness, and movement-based interventions to help clients release stored tension and unresolved emotions. By paying attention to how their body responds to different thoughts and feelings, clients can tap into the body’s wisdom and begin to heal on a deeper level. This approach empowers individuals to understand their emotions intellectually and process them somatically, leading to long-lasting emotional and physical well-being. This approach is best suited for in-person sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. With 14 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, I have found CBT to be highly effective in addressing a range of concerns, from anxiety and depression to stress management and relationship difficulties. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and collaborative. I work closely with clients to examine the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying cognitive distortions—such as black-and-white thinking or catastrophizing—we explore healthier, more balanced ways of thinking. This process helps clients shift their emotional responses and develop coping strategies that improve their daily lives. I integrate practical exercises like journaling, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation to empower clients with tools they can apply outside of therapy sessions. The result is a more flexible mindset and the ability to manage challenges with greater confidence and resilience. In my practice, this technique is best suited for in-person sessions.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

In my practice, I integrate Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce the impact of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress. With advanced training in mind-body medicine, yoga therapy, and meditation, I guide clients in learning how to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, creating space for more balanced, mindful responses. Mindfulness-based therapy focuses on fostering a non-reactive awareness of the body and mind. Through mindfulness practices such as breath awareness, body scans, and guided meditation, clients learn how to tune into their present experience. This enhances their ability to regulate emotions and reduce automatic, habitual responses to stress. This approach encourages clients to break free from the cycle of rumination and worry, creating a deeper connection to the present moment. In therapy, I help clients develop mindfulness skills that they can use daily to increase self-compassion, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience. This leads to greater emotional clarity, a sense of calm, and improved overall well-being. This technique is best for in-person sessions.