(she/her)
Hello! My name is Michelle Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy that focuses on building meaningful connection, emotional well-being, and personal growth. I work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, communication difficulties, and work-related stress. I am committed to supporting clients as they navigate challenges, reconnect with their strengths, develop practical tools, and create positive, sustainable change. I believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life, defined by their own values and circumstances. As a therapist with lived experience of trauma, anxiety, and depression, I bring both professional knowledge and deep empathy to my work. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and understood. It is an honor to walk alongside individuals and families in their healing journeys, and I am dedicated to continually learning and providing thoughtful, high-quality care.
In our first session, we will take time to get to know one another and discuss what has brought you to therapy. I’ll invite you to share about your background, current concerns, and what you hope to gain from our work together. This initial meeting is a chance to begin building a supportive and trusting relationship while clarifying your goals and priorities. Together, we will explore your challenges and aspirations and identify realistic, meaningful goals that align with what matters most to you. As therapy progresses, we will create a flexible roadmap to guide our work, track growth, and acknowledge progress along the way. Throughout our work together, I strive to provide a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to speak openly and honestly. My approach is collaborative and supportive, and I view therapy as a shared process of self-exploration, healing, and positive change.
Beginning therapy is a meaningful step and can feel uncomfortable at first, but my goal is to help you recognize your strengths and work with you toward the support and tools you need to live as the best version of yourself!
History of Child Abuse or Neglect, Emotional Abuse, First Responders/Law Enforcement, Military Spouses/Partners, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, work stress.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a therapeutic approach to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that affect their mood, relationships, and daily life. Through a collaborative process, we work together to develop practical strategies for coping, problem-solving, and enhancing emotional awareness.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I offer a person-centered approach that creates a warm and supportive space where clients feel truly seen and understood. Person-centered treatment assist clients with gaining coping tools, build confidence, and develop stronger emotional regulation skills. My goal is to support each individual’s growth and resilience to strengthen self-empowerment.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing as a collaborative, client-centered approach that emphasizes autonomy and respects each individual as the expert on their own life. MI allows me to meet clients where they are, creating a nonjudgmental space in which they feel heard, respected, and supported in making their own choices about change. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I help clients explore their values, clarify ambivalence, and articulate their own reasons for change. This process strengthens self-efficacy and confidence, supporting meaningful, sustainable change that aligns with what matters most to them.