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Contact Me: kristen@pacificnorthwell.com or (253) 237-6237
Psychotherapist providing individual therapy for adults (18+)
(Please note that I do not see couples, families, or children.)
Kristen’s Counseling Approach
I believe in empowerment. We will set goals that are determined by you, using your strengths to accomplish them. You are the one who will be directing our sessions, so that you can feel truly heard and get the most out of your time with me. In therapy, I empathically listen, validate your feelings, ask questions, and challenge you when I see it as necessary for our therapeutic progress. My aim is to help you discover your inner wisdom so that you can guide your life with authenticity.
Furthermore, I aim to view your situation from a systems perspective, combining your personal experiences with the larger social and cultural narratives that surround and influence you. I utilize the lenses of informed consent, harm reduction, anti-oppression, and HAES, and only diagnose when it is affirming and validating for you as a client. Therapy is a safe space and a judgment-free zone; trust and intimacy in the therapeutic relationship cannot be fostered otherwise. I see myself as a fellow traveler on your journey through life. I have as much (or more!) to learn from you as you do from me.
The most satisfying part of being a therapist is seeing people grow and change in ways they’ve wanted to but had never envisioned to be possible. I love hearing that people don’t need me anymore! They can succeed through life’s challenges with tools they’ve gathered in our time together. This means that I’ve done my job.
I invite you to find out more about how I work regarding fees. *Please note that I am not in-network with any insurance companies.*
Kristen’s Specialties
Kristen Martinez, M.Ed., Ed.S., LMHCA, NCC
While I am honored to work with people from all walks of life, as a therapist I consider my specialty to be working with LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual +) individuals, including gender nonconforming (GNC), bigender, genderfluid, genderqueer, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary folks; I have been working with this community since 2014. Though I identify as cisgender and straight, I became drawn to this population professionally and personally, because I discovered throughout the years that many of my loved ones identify as LGBT+ and I wanted to stand alongside them in the fight for equality. In my graduate studies, among many other topics, I conducted research on gay men’s coming out experiences. Find out more about LGBT affirmative counseling, trans-affirming counseling or asexual affirming counseling.
I also am passionate about counseling and therapy related to women’s issues, and I have a special interest in working with HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons). For information on these issues and much more, check out my blog. If you need help now, there are therapy resources in Seattle for you.
Kristen’s Professional Qualifications
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (MC60476809) in Washington State, and a board certified counselor (330387) by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I am a professional member of the American Counseling Association. You may verify my credentials as an LMHCA and board certified counselor.
I received a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology with minors in English and Classical Studies from the University of Florida. I earned Master of Education (MEd) and Education Specialist (EdS) degrees in Mental Health Counseling from the CACREP-accredited Counselor Education program at the University of Florida.
I completed my graduate practicum and internship at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare in Florida, a community mental health agency serving the needs of forensic clients with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.
Click here to download a brochure with more information about me and my services.
Testimonials
“Kristen Martinez has demonstrated an uncanny ability to reach out to people, not just in seeing their needs, but in seeing what they see as their needs. She has helped a lot of people. She is among the best around. If you’re in Seattle, go see her. If you’re near Seattle, commute in and see her. If you’re nowhere near Seattle, consider a road trip.”
– Rob Morton, MSW
On The Personal Side
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I’m Florida-born and raised, but I’ve always hated the heat and preferred more temperate, cooler climates (hence my relocation to the Pacific Northwest!).
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In my spare time, I love cooking and baking; I love the creativity and resourcefulness it brings out in me when I create recipes.
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I will be the first to shamelessly admit that I’m an avid TV and movie buff; I thoroughly enjoy curling up on the couch with my partner and dog to watch television.
