ABOUT
MY APPROACH
In my approach to counseling I work to fill the space with warmth, compassion and empowerment. Doing so allows you to creatively explore your ideas, thoughts, feelings and experiences in a manner that is unique to you, at your own pace. It is my belief and practice that therapy is a collaborative process where I bring my full self so that I can encourage you to do the same. You will be able to bravely explore risks, find solace and speak your authentic voice.
Informed by my training and clinical experience, I offer verbal therapy, as well as creative and action-oriented interventions. Utilizing play, story, improvisation, metaphor, and somatic awareness, you are able to communicate that which words alone cannot. We will work together to reach healthy connections between the mind and body, to allow for the safe expression of both positive and challenging feelings.
My practice is based on the belief that in therapeutic relationships, bravery, resilience, trust and hope are held in the highest regard. We will co-create an individualized treatment plan and unique coping skills to establish a space of ongoing growth, progress and change
WHAT IS DRAMA THERAPY?
“Drama therapy is the intentional use of dramatic arts and/or theater processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapy is active and experiential. This approach can provide the context for participants to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. Through drama, the depth and breadth of inner experience can be actively explored and interpersonal relationship skills can be enhanced. Participants can expand their repertoire of dramatic roles to find that their own life roles have been strengthened.”
Visit the North American Drama Therapy Association for more information.
MY EXPERIENCE
I was awarded a Master of Arts degree, in Drama Therapy, from New York University and gained my licensing hours in a number of clinical settings, including domestic violence support and care, school-based therapy, intensive trauma recovery treatment, addiction treatment, and long-term mental health rehabilitation.
My work continued to evolve as I provided home-based care for adolescents and families that were experiencing crisis. I worked extensively in acute inpatient psychiatric units with patients aged across the lifespan, in addition to patients on the autisim spectrum and who were pregnant. I hold certification as a Lucid Body teacher, which is a form of movement and self-exploration, which allows the participant to gain insight about themselves through deep somatic awareness. I was given a unique opportunities to direct and produce theatre for social change productions and later worked closely with youth in Uganda in providing community-based theatre education and experiences. In December 2017, I was elected as The Government Affairs Chair, on the Board of Directors of The North American Drama Therapy Association, leading me to speak on Capitol Hill, in Washington DC, in an effort to advocate for the arts and the creative arts therapies. Now, additional to my therapy practice, I serve as an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University's master’s level Drama Therapy Students.
I have helped children, adolescents, adults, new & expectant parents and families tap into their own bravery to work through issues related to domestic violence, childhood trauma, mental illness, addiction, parenting support, bullying, school-related stress, opposition and anger, depression, low self-esteem, perinatal challenges, new motherhood and more.
CREDENTIALS + PUBLICATIONS
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Colorado, #0015466
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT)
New York, #001681
Registered Drama Therapist (RDT)
North America, #503
Board Certified Trainer [of Drama Therapy] (BCT)
North America, #144
Martinez, A. K. (2018), “This way to the playground: A drama therapeutic treatment protocol for the parentified child who has witnessed domestic violence’, Drama Therapy Review, 4:1, pp. 101-116
