Joan Martin, LICSW

I practice as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) holding MSW and PhD degrees. In addition, I am a Qualified Clinical Mental Health Supervisor in WA State for master level interns and pre licensed clinicians. I have provided psychotherapy and coaching in a vast array of settings from residential dual diagnoses to international corporate psychology. In therapy, my focus is on exploring depression, anxiety, fear and anger with individuals and couples. Many times, these negative emotions originate in a struggling to cope with manipulation, infidelity, betrayal and loss in relationships. I believe in providing an environment which promotes a mindful state. I have come to realize that with positive reinforcement and knowledge, individuals can find answers within themselves and make changes that enable them to reach personal and professional goals, 
My education and clinical training allow me to approach problems with skills utilizing evidence-based methods that support reframing negative, repetitive thoughts and behaviors. These modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, acceptance/commitment, psychoanalysis and DBT mindfulness. My PhD studies provide an expertise in the East/West Psychology of Change which brought me to Southeast Asia, where I lived and worked for three years. I am sensitive to cultural differences and have worked with the concepts of Buddhism and Hinduism both as philosophy and with respect for ethnicity. I see sharing my knowledge and experience as participating in someone’s process of becoming enlightened to new ways of thinking. This is an exciting process to share with someone and I feel honored to do this work. 
I may share books that have been helpful to me and that I believe would enhance your progress and motivation in therapy. When appropriate, I use references of literature, art and interpretation of your dreams. For starters, the work of Virginia Satir and Pat Love, the Imago Dialogue, and the Triangle Theory of Love. 
I moved to the Pacific Northwest from the East Coast where I live with my husband, two dogs and a cat. My personal interest is my love of art. I enjoy visiting Art Galleries and Museums and favor abstract expressionism. In the past I worked with painters to help create their resumes and then brainstorm with them to identify ways they could market themselves. I love to see dance and hear music; to me it is very freeing. I am still into books- tangible, handheld, sometimes a bit moldy, off screen books. Lots of pages, no pixels. Although I do write articles when asked to, my goal is to write a book. 
I look forward to learning about you and how we can partner to navigate your experience of life