Joanne Martin

I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Pepperdine University (Los Angeles, Ca.), and am a Ct. Licensed Professional Counselor. For over a decade, I have gained knowledge and experience with evidence based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy and systems theory. For many years, I worked for various NGOs focused on assisting people who had been victims/survivors of physical/emotional and sexual abuse. I coordinated the Child Abuse Response Team (MDT) and the local Child Advocacy Center. The MDT/CAC primarily assisted sexually abused children during the legal and healing process. I was a member of and co-chaired state-wide work groups focused on improving the lives of abused children. I have been certified in domestic/sexual abuse, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, forensic interviewing, domestic minor sex trafficking and many various trainings related to CBT, Mindfulness & healing. I believe in the human spirit!

After a decade assisting survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence, I have only increased my belief in the power of hope, the ability to change and the after-effects of one's thinking. I truly believe that every single person is created for a unique purpose and has the potential for an awe-inspiring life. A life which can affect positive change in themselves & others. I also believe that many, many people (possibly you?) received negative & false messages about their worth and value from others while growing up and those false messages are "talking loudly" in their heads on a daily basis. Counseling at BCC can help you with letting go of false ideas and negative beliefs. It can help you create a manageable road map to reach your personal & professional goals. Together we can identify those past life events which continue to cause anxiety, self-doubt, fear and sadness; Together, we will build back your confidence in your abilities, your self-worth and your pursuit of your dreams!