“When you feel overwhelmed, remember - you are not the ocean wave. You are the ocean, waving.”
- Dr. Jaiya John
Stephanie Martinez, LCMFT (she/her/hers)
I first knew I wanted to become a therapist during my undergrad years of college - I have always enjoyed connecting with others on a deeper level; I have a natural curiosity for diving deep into why humans think and act the way we do, and a desire to help others gain a better understanding into themselves, their ways of being, and the stories they hold.
For me, being a therapist feels like more than just a professional calling. There is a moment that can occur during a therapy session when someone has that “a-ha!” moment - they make a connection and are able to relate to themselves and their experiences differently. Sometimes, it looks like them feeling safe enough to share something with me and with themselves without worrying about being judged, knowing that we have worked together to create a safe space for them to just be themselves, in all of their wonderful messiness. Other times, this looks like them being able to acknowledge their own humanity without the negative self judgment and inner criticism that has ruled their life for so long.
It’s a moment that almost feels like magic is happening. It really is such an honor for me to help others experience these moments and create lasting change from them. To help others reach these moments is really what I feel called to do.
What you can expect from me
Curiosity, compassion, care and consistency in every session.
We are all doing what we can to feel okay. I honor your humanity by showing up as real as I can in my own. I prioritize cultivating a safe space to help you reach new heights by helping you accept and learn from your depths.
Relatability
I am proud of my ability to form a special connection with my clients. Because a strong client-therapist relationship is crucial to therapeutic success, I prioritize getting to know you beyond the problems or symptoms you are experiencing.
Respect for your Agency
In acknowledging and respecting your own unique story and life experiences, I firmly believing that you are the expert on yourself.
Trauma Informed
I consider the complex role that one's personal and intergenerational trauma histories can play in their presenting symptoms and ways of coping. This includes examining the impacts of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other systemic forms of oppression on one's life and intergenerational history.
An Active Role
I do more than just listen. I work to offer guidance in identifying behaviors and narratives that may no longer be serving you in order to build a set of tools and coping skills to help you better manage difficult emotions and life experiences.
A Process Oriented Approach
This means I am intentional about helping you get curious and build insight into what is happening for you mentally, physically and emotionally as we process your experiences to help you resolve internal conflict, identify your needs and set boundaries.
Knowledgeable and Always Trying to Keep Learning
I make it a point to stay up to date on relevant research and trainings. I bring what I learn to my sessions, offering insight to help my clients feel understood and validated, and to help them skill build based on their therapeutic needs and goals.
I care deeply about each and every person I work with and am honored to be a part of someone’s healing process. I am committed to meeting you wherever you may be in your mental health journey and look forward to helping you get closer to the change and healing you’re looking for!
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I was born and raised on the Texas-Mexico border. When I’m not in the therapy room, you can find me trying out new recipes in my cooking and baking, going to the movies, laughing at life’s absurdities and practicing my gel manicure skills.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology (B.A.) from American University and my Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy (M.S.) from the University of Maryland.
Licenses - LMFT20001274 (D.C.), LCM831 (Maryland), 0717002220 (Virginia), TPMF937 (Florida)