LCSW, 18 years of experience
Hello, I’m Martila, though most people call me Tila. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with active licenses in Georgia, North Carolina, and Connecticut. As the founder of Relax, Release & Restore Counseling, LLC, I provide therapy for individuals and couples navigating life transitions, trauma, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. With a background as a U.S. Army veteran and a recent federal retiree, I bring a grounded, real-world understanding to the therapy space. My approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, and focused on couples therapy, rooted in the belief that healing begins when we feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or just feeling stuck, I offer a space where you can breathe, process, and grow at your own pace. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on helping you tap into your resilience, rediscover your voice, and move toward the life you deserve.
Welcome to therapy. I’m so glad you’re here and taking this step toward healing and growth. During our first session, my primary goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. We’ll start by getting to know one another. I'll ask questions to better understand your reasons for seeking therapy, your personal history, and what you hope to gain from our work together. We’ll review important topics such as: - Your current concerns and what led you to therapy - Your goals and expectations for the therapeutic process - My approach to therapy, including how I incorporate trauma-informed and strength-based techniques - Confidentiality and its limits - Scheduling, communication, and other logistics This session is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about therapy or my role as your clinician. You don’t have to share everything all at once, this is just the beginning of building a trusting therapeutic relationship. By the end of our first meeting, we’ll begin to outline a treatment plan together and decide on the best path forward. Whether that means weekly or biweekly sessions, referrals to additional resources, or simply continuing to explore what feels right for you
What sets my approach apart is the way I blend real-world experience with compassionate, evidence-based care. As a U.S. Army veteran and recent federal retiree, I bring a grounded and culturally sensitive perspective to the therapy room, one that respects both resilience and vulnerability. My work is rooted in trauma-informed care, meaning I approach each client with deep awareness of how past experiences may shape present struggles. I use strength-based therapy to help clients reconnect with their inner resources, reframe limiting beliefs, and build confidence in their capacity for change. I also integrate elements of: - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thinking patterns - Relational and systems-based approaches to explore interpersonal dynamics - Psychoeducation to empower clients with knowledge and coping tools - Mindfulness techniques to help regulate emotions and reconnect to the body Clients often share that they feel genuinely heard, deeply understood, and supported without judgment. Together, we co-create a space where they can safely explore painful experiences, identify goals, and begin the process of meaningful transformation. In short, what stands out is not just the methods I use, but the relationship we build, the sense of safety I prioritize, and the lasting growth clients experience as a result.
I am best positioned to serve individuals and couples who are ready to explore healing, even if they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to begin. Many of my clients are navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, Military Sexual Trauma, deployment-related experiences, or burnout. They seek a therapist who offers compassion without judgment, structure with flexibility, and a culturally affirming space to grow. I work well with those who value authenticity, are open to self-reflection, and want to build on their strengths rather than only focusing on their struggles. Whether you are looking to improve communication, rebuild trust, process past experiences, or regain emotional balance, I offer a grounded, client-centered approach to support you in moving forward with clarity and confidence.
In my clinical practice, I use strength-based therapy to help clients recognize and build on their existing resilience, values, and personal strengths. Rather than focusing solely on problems, I guide individuals and couples to shift their perspective toward what’s already working. This approach empowers clients to reclaim their narrative, set meaningful goals, and move forward with confidence. Whether working with trauma survivors, couples in conflict, or individuals in transition, I use strength-based methods to foster growth, healing, and self-trust.
My treatment method is trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally responsive. I create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. I integrate evidence-based practices—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, and elements of solution-focused and mindfulness-based interventions—tailored to each client’s unique needs and lived experience. As a veteran, mother, and clinician, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding into the therapy space. I work collaboratively with clients to help them identify their strengths, reframe limiting beliefs, and develop practical strategies for healing, growth, and emotional resilience.