Dr. Gisela Martinez

You may be someone who is used to taking care of everyone else while putting your own needs aside. On the outside, things may seem fine, but privately, you may feel anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of what comes next. Maybe you're struggling in a relationship, having difficulty setting boundaries, questioning old patterns, or going through a life transition that has left you feeling stuck.

I'm a Latina psychotherapist, Maryland LCSW-C, and Doctor of Social Work with over 13 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, identity concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and practical. I want to help you better understand what you're experiencing, recognize patterns that may no longer serve you, and find ways to move forward that feel right for you.

I welcome clients from all backgrounds and have a particular interest in working with immigrant, first-generation, and bicultural individuals. I understand that family expectations, cultural values, and the desire to honor where you come from can sometimes make it difficult to prioritize your own needs or make changes in your life.

I provide therapy in English and Spanish. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. My hope is that our work together gives you the opportunity to talk openly, gain perspective, and develop the confidence to make meaningful changes in your life.

My approach to therapy is relational, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive. I believe that understanding where we've been can help us make sense of where we are today. Together, we'll explore the experiences, relationships, and patterns that may be contributing to how you feel, the choices you make, and the challenges you're facing.

My style is warm, collaborative, and honest. I'm here to listen and support you, but I'll also ask questions, offer different perspectives, and encourage you to look at things in ways you may not have considered before. I believe therapy is most helpful when it goes beyond talking about what's difficult and helps you better understand yourself and make meaningful changes in your life.

I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and strengths-based approaches. I tailor our work to your individual needs, experiences, and goals because I recognize that what works for one person may not work for another.

My hope is that therapy helps you feel more confident in yourself, navigate difficult emotions and relationships, and make choices that reflect what's important to you.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I want to understand what brought you to therapy, what you've been struggling with, and what you hope to change. We'll talk about your current concerns, important relationships, family background, and experiences that may have shaped how you see yourself and navigate life's challenges.

I also want to learn about your strengths, what's important to you, and what has helped you get through difficult times. Your experiences, culture, identity, and personal history are all part of who you are, and I believe it's important to understand the whole person, not just the challenges that brought you to therapy. You can share at your own pace, and you don't have to tell me everything in our first meeting.

You don't need to have everything figured out before we meet. We'll begin by identifying what matters most to you and what you'd like to work toward. My hope is that you leave our first session feeling heard, comfortable asking questions, and with a better sense of how we can work together.