Mike Martin, MA, LMFT
I believe that everyone has a right to live the life that they desire. However, life does not always work out how we hope. We cannot predict the events that will happen to us and how those events will impact our lives. We do, however, have the ability to choose how we will respond to those events. I believe that as a therapist, I get to be a partner with people as they seek to change their lives for the better. I believe that education, practical application, evidence-based techniques, and a focus on measurable outcomes is the fastest way to achieve the client’s goals. I believe that therapy should only be for as long as needed, with a focus on achieving the client’s goals.
As a therapist I try to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for you. I use an eclectic style that leans on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and a little bit of humor sprinkled in. As a former Marine I personally understand the unique experiences that veterans and active duty service members go through. Additionally, I have been working with law enforcement, firefighters, and other front-line workers to help them with the complexities that their jobs can bring to their lives and families.
Mike works with teens and adults, Ages 16+Mike Martin, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
M.A. in Counseling Psychology 2012
Insurances Accepted
- PacificSource Community Solutions OHP
- Oregon Health Plan DMAP/Open Card
- Trillium OHP
- PacificSource Health Commercial Insurance
- Providence
- MODA
- Regence / BlueCross
- First Choice / Samaritan / Meritain
- Kaiser PPO
What I'm Like as a Therapist
I am a candid therapist that strives to create an adaptive environment that will help you feel comfortable and supported. I will challenge you to explore your thoughts, feelings and actions. I will make jokes, be sarcastic, and even share stories if these are applicable.
My goal is to assist you in realizing your goals. I do this by encouraging you to understand your unique strengths as well as the resources around you. Humor is a tool I frequently incorporate into sessions. I believe that laughter is one of the best tools for dealing with challenges. I strive to create an environment where you can genuinely be honest and say the things you might not otherwise feel comfortable talking about with others.
I will be transparent and authentic with you. Focusing on your needs while providing support while you work through difficult times.
Personal Interests
Long walks on the beach, trying to impress people I don’t know, competitive relaxing in hammocks, and trolling people on the internet. But seriously… baseball, playing games with my kids, cooking proteins, and trying to make people laugh.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Traumatic Experiences
I received EMDRIA approved Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training from Dr. Andrew Leeds at Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute.. My training emphasized the importance of developing a firm understanding of how trauma impacts a person, strategies to manage symptoms, and the development of a support system while an individual goes through the therapeutic process. I use a variety of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic interventions based on your specific needs.
Mood Disorders / Anxiety
Experiences of depression and anxiety can pop up throughout our lives and I believe it is important to develop and regularly utilize healthy coping skills to manage these experiences. Utilizing aspects of systematic desensitization, challenging cognitive distortions and identifying precipitating factors, are important aspects of the work to address symptoms of mood disorders and anxiety.
Grief & Loss
Processing grief and loss is not a linear process. It can be a complex journey of adapting to the changes that occur after the loss of someone in your life. I seek to create an environment where you can safely feel the feelings you need to with support, and in a judgment-free manner.
