Family therapy and counseling in Meridian, ID

Hi. I'm Susan (Simmons) Martinelli and, simply stated, "I love people"...every individual one. I have over 30 years' experience in the mental health field with people who may also suffer with substance use and addiction or vice versa. The two often go hand-in-hand and it can be a devastating and life-changing moment to realize you possibly have either a mental illness and/ or a substance/ alcohol use problem. I simply want to help you find your healthy path...whatever that is for you. I look forward to learning about you as a person and what we can accomplish together.

With a strong foundation in both social work and law enforcement, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and practical perspective to therapy. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and spent eight years in law enforcement, primarily working patrol. This experience gave me the opportunity to support individuals and families during some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments of their lives.

Through my professional work—and my own lived experiences with critical and traumatic incidents—I developed a deep commitment to helping others heal from trauma. I specialize in trauma-focused therapy and work with individuals navigating life’s challenges, processing difficult past experiences, and building resilience for the future.

My approach blends clinical expertise with real-world understanding to create a space that is supportive, nonjudgmental, and genuine. I strive to ensure clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. Whether you are working through trauma, adjusting to life transitions, or seeking healthier coping strategies, I aim to help you gain clarity, strengthen your inner resources, and move forward with confidence. I’m here to support you every step of the way on your path toward healing and personal growth.

I am a lifelong behavioral health practitioner with 35 years of experience providing counseling services to a large cross section of clients including veterans, first responders, athletes, and individuals learning to manage symptoms associated with post traumatic stress, chronic pain, chronic conditions, depression, anxiety, and phase of life transitions. I am a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and licensed to treat co-occurring disorders in another state.

I believe therapy should be a dynamic, collaborative process that yields real-world results. My practice is built on a foundation of academic excellence and specialized training, including a BA in Psychology from University of Southern California and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah.

My Therapeutic Toolkit: Evidence-Based & Proactive

I don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. I blend several powerful, evidence-based modalities to help you achieve your goals quickly and effectively:

• ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy): A specialized approach for trauma and PTSD that uses eye movements to "reprogram" distressing memories and sensations, often providing relief in just a few sessions.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): We will work together to identify and shift the thought patterns that keep you stuck in cycles of anxiety or depression.
• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): I provide practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships—giving you a "manual" for navigating life's hardest moments.