About
*Se habla espanol*
I am a psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy, relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, mood disorders, and complex trauma. In these times, I am offering reduced session fees and have a few slots left for $50 sessions for those expreincing financial hardship.
Do you find yourself struggling with relationship issues, life transitions, feelings of anxiety, sadness, or issues related to adverse experiences or trauma? Whether you feel your problems are large, or small, or you are experiencing a block in creativity; personal growth or development, we will work together to help you find relief, work towards a solution and accomplish your goals. Together, we will discover your strengths, talents, and a passion for life, in a safe environment free of judgement, where you can experience unconditional positive regard and hope.
My approach to therapy is holistic, client centered, strengths based and draws upon Interpersonal Process and Person Centered Therapy. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, tailored to each individual. I ascribe to the Gottman method of couples therapy. However, treatment is indivdualized to best meet your needs. I work with individuals, couples, families, tweens and teens.
My areas of expertise include: couples therapy, stress reduction, mindfulness, domestic violence, sexual assault, couples therapy, trauma and immigrant populations. I offer in office visits, phone and video sessions, and walk and talk therapy in the community.
Additionally, I have extensive experience in conducting and writing psychological evaluations for U visas, VAWA petitions and political asylum cases. I am a member of Physicians for Human Rights. Se especializa en evaluaciones psicologicas para inmigracion.
I am passionate about supporting people in finding and reaching their goals and becoming the best version of themselves they can be!
I love seeing the growth and healing that takes place in my clients and am honored to have to oppoprtuintiy to be a part of that process.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Sven C.
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
EDUCATION
• Rutgers, the State University, GPA 4.0, Master of Social Work, May 2013
• Rutgers, the State University, GPA 3.87, Bachelors of Spanish, May 1997
LICENSURE and CERTIFICATIONS
• Completed SEAK’s How to Excel and Expert Witness Depositions Training, 2019
• Completed Columbia University/ Physician’s for Human Rights Asylum Clinic, 2018
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW) State of New Jersey, 2017
• Certificate in Complex Trauma, Rutgers University, 2017
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) State of New Jersey, 2013
• 80-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training Certification, 2013
• Addictions Counselor Training Certification (ACT), 2013
• NJ Spanish Teacher K-12 Certification, State of NJ, 2006
• Certified Yoga Instructor, 2001- present
BIO:
Susan Martinez is a Bilingual Psychotherapist in Private Practice, with over 10 years’ experience in the fields of social service provision, mental health, and clinical work. She is exerienced in the provision of individual, couples and family therapy. She is also an Expert Witness in the field of complex trauma, and immigration issues. Ms. Martinez trained as an expert witness with SEAK and she has been a member of Physicians for Human Rights since 2018.
Ms. Martinez graduated from Rutgers University with highest honors, where she earned her master’s degree in clinical social work. Additionally, she holds certificates in Complex Trauma and Addictions Counslor Training. Ms. Martinez is well versed in working with adults, adolescents, families and couples. Modalities include individual and group therapy.
Her areas of expertise include: personal development, anxiety, (including PTSD and complex trauma) stress reduction, and mood disorders, and immigrant's issues.
When working with clients, Ms. Martinez is sensitive to everyone’s own unique needs and strengths. Her approach to therapy includes a trauma informed, empowerment approach, which includes the use of, Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques, drawn from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Moreover, Ms. Martinez is an expert regarding immigration issues and is a sought-after referral source for many attorneys throughout the tri- state area. She has worked with the Latino community and other immigrant and marginalized populations since 1997.
Ms. Martinez is highly knowledgeable in the administration and writing of psychological evaluations. Her expertise includes conducting and writing psychological evaluations for immigration cases. She is highly experienced in writing affidavits for U Visa, VAWA petitions, and evaluations for asylum, cancellation of removal and extreme hardship cases.
Ms. Martinez, also motivational speaker, facilitates workshops for the corporate and private sectors, on cultural competency,mental health, and stress reduction; which include, but are not limited to yoga and meditation.
Some of the venues where Ms. Martinez has presented include Applegate Farms, Carrier Clinic, Dwight Church, Easter Seals Corporate Office, Raritan Valley Community College, Rutgers University, Montessori Schools, Woodbridge Township Schools, The Somerset County Library system and the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I am an out of network provider with most insurance plans. I offer a sliding scale fee based upon financial need and other circumstances, in order to make therapy accessible to all. Please call so that I can give you an accurate quote, based upon your circumstances. (908) 516-3285.
How did you get started in this business?
I have always had an interest and passion for psychology. I went back to school as an adult to follow my passion and to earn my graduate degree in order to become a psychotherapist . I have learned how to live a life I love living. My passion is helping others to do the same. My history is living proof that it is never to late to acheive your goals, dreams and to follow your passion.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with men, women, adolescents and chidren. I see people from a variety of background and cultures. Some of these include:
American, (North American)
Latin American, (Central, South America)
I.E. Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Peru, Venezuela
Carribbean, (Cuban, Dominican, Haitian, Puerto Rican, Jamaican)
African, (Egyptian)
Asian, (Chineese, Korean, Taiwanese)
Asian, (Indian, Pakastani, Sri Lankan)
Additionally, I have expreince in working with LGBTQ community.
I work with individuals, couples and families.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event I am proud of is terminating with an adolscent whose mental health symptoms have abated. The young lady was able to transcend her social anxiety and depreesion. She learned and implimented skills in therapy, which have been life changing. The young lady's symptoms have subsided, she has formed a social support network and reached her goals for therapy and continues to reach her life goals.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
My advice would be call and talk with your prospective therapist. Talk to that person, ask questions, pay attention to how you feel when talking with them. Listen to your gut and chose someone who seems to resonate with you and has the knowledge and expertise that is appropraite to your unique situation.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
What kind of edcation and training does the therapist have?
What experience do they have in working with similar clients, or clients whose needs, or goals are similar to your own?
What days and times does the professional have avialble?
How much does the professional charge?
Additionally, customers should think through the following questions with regards to themselves.
What prompted me to seek support at this time?
Am I ready to work on myself/ family/ relationship?
How much do I value myself? am I willing to make a commitment to the therapustic process?
Am I willing to make the financial and energetic investment in myself/ family/ relationship, at this time? In otherwords, am I ready to engage in the theraputuc process?
Are there any barriers/ obstacles that might get in the way of me attending therapy? if so, what are they?
If you find that there are obstales, you may wish to discuss them with the professional you contact prior to your first session.