LCSW, 6 years of experience
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Master's in 2017 and have been practicing in the mental health field since. I have about 3 years of experience working as an African American Special Skills Clinician where I provided clinical therapy services to clients who requested a Black Therapist. I help adults struggling with trauma, racial issues, family issues, depression, and anxiety to reframe and be the author of their own story.
In our first session, we'll start with some intros, and then jump into what brings you to therapy and what you're looking to gain from our time together. We will work collaboratively on developing a plan and discuss recommendations for follow-up sessions.
During my time in clinical practice my greatest strength is my ability to connect with clients through rapport building, relatability, and connection. I am able to conceptualize the root causes of what brings my clients in and assist client's in identifying core issues and addressing them while also managing day to day and week to week stressors/life.
I love working with client's who have struggled to find a therapist who looks like them or relates to them culturally. My clients are ready to become the best versions of themselves and will thrive when put in an environment where all the parts of them are identified, celebrated, and nurtured. My client's often feel like their voices aren't being heard in different setting whether that in the past during their childhood, in their families of origins, in their relationships, at work, and in society.
I utilize cultural competency in understanding and making connections and building a therapeutic alliance with my clients. Understanding the role culture contributes to client's values and belief as well as understanding the cultural impact on family, relationships, and functioning, is imperative and welcomed in the therapeutic space.
I utilize Narrative Therapy in allowing the client to detail the stories of the current and past circumstances of their lives from their point of view. Deconstructing maladaptive thoughts and beliefs and allowing the client to re-create and/or re-author their story and create desired outcomes.
I utilize cultural competence in addressing how racial trauma impacts individuals in a multitude of areas of life including but not limited to, relationships, employment, education, parenting, society, and politics etc. I utilize empathy, understanding, and active listening while creating a space for individuals to express their concerns with a therapist who has first hand experience with racial trauma and its impacts on mental health.
I utilize feminist therapy to normalize and validate the impact of societal norms on day to day functioning. I utilize strengths based and empowerment to assist clients in setting healthy boundaries and utilizing assertive communication to advocate for themselves.
I assist clients I’m identifying challenging areas and guide clients in setting and commuting to their goals. I will gently challenge client to follow through on commitments made to themselves and work toward addressing any barriers towards accomplishing these goals.
3 ratings with written reviews
July 3, 2025
I wanted to also add empowering, intelligent, solution oriented and direct which I really appreciate. Progress is what I was looking for and I believe with the support from Jessica, I am making progress.
April 30, 2025
Jessica is one of a kind. Genuine connector on an inter and intrapersonal level. Her psycho-socio-cultural-racial-political knowledge, care, and expertise is evident in every session. Honestly the person i needed in this stage of my life to catalyze the growth i seeked yet felt stagnant in.
February 13, 2025
I have been avoiding individual therapy for over a decade now due to the fear of not finding a comfortable fit. Jessica Martinez couldn't be more of a perfect fit. And to virtually be doing therapy, I already feel very very comfortable and we haven't even started digging deep yet. I already feel like so much weight has been lifted from my shoulders because I have someone who is dedicated to helping me heal and learn how to be present with myself. Who will help me learn how to take care of me!