Ottawa Team

Karen Martinez, B.Sc.


Deciding to seek therapeutic help is a significant step, often a challenging one, as it requires deep reflection. If you’re considering consulting a professional, it’s likely because you’re dealing with emotional, relational, cognitive, or behavioural difficulties that are troubling, painful, and difficult to manage on your own. Therapy requires a personal investment, both in time and finances, so it’s not a decision taken lightly. It takes great courage to acknowledge that you need help, to seek out that help, and to open up to a new person. I commend you for allowing yourself to feel better and prioritize your well-being by taking this crucial first step. With that in mind, I am pleased to offer you my thoughtful and empathetic support as you move forward on your path to healing, self-discovery, and growth.

Whether you’re facing overwhelming emotions, challenging life transitions, or relationship issues, I believe in the power of empathy, understanding, and personalized approaches to help you achieve the balance you’re seeking. I provide a non-judgmental space that fosters a strong therapeutic relationship, allowing for better exploration of your difficulties and self-understanding. This also enables me to better respond to your needs by offering a treatment plan tailored to your goals. We will work together to develop skills and strategies aimed at reducing present emotional distress and overcoming personal and relational challenges, fostering lasting change.

Specifically, I work with a diverse clientele in terms of culture, ethnicity, religion, spirituality, and sexual/gender identity. I address issues such as mood disorders like depression and anxiety, interpersonal and relationship problems, crises such as grief or role transitions, painful emotions related to present or past experiences (including trauma), self-esteem development, personal growth, body image, identity, emotional regulation, and sexuality, among others.

I hold a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, and I am currently completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa. At the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, I am completing my internship as a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) under the supervision of Dr. Karine Côté, C.Psych.

I use an integrative approach, meaning I draw from different theories to develop a treatment tailored to my clients’ needs. I adopt a humanistic approach that places the client at the center of the therapeutic process, incorporating elements from Gestalt therapy, psychodynamic and systemic approaches, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), as well as mindfulness, among others.

In our initial meetings, it will be important for me to build a trusting relationship with you so we can explore the difficulties that have brought you to therapy in a warm and welcoming environment. To better understand who you are, your beliefs, and your values, we will delve into your personal history, life experiences that have brought you joy or sadness, and your relationships, among other things. This will also help me gain a better understanding of the root causes of your current difficulties. We will discuss your issues, reflecting on what has worked and what hasn’t in the past, and then conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment to better understand their nature. Afterward, we will work on setting goals and creating a plan tailored to your needs, helping you build the future you desire while recognizing the importance of your active participation in your improvement.

In addition to completing a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Psychology at the University of Ottawa, I have over a year of experience as a youth worker in a rehabilitation center. I provide education and re-education for users according to their intervention programs and offer workshops on emotional regulation, substance abuse, and sexuality, among others. I have also worked in the community, offering support and assistance from a young age, whether with seniors in long-term care facilities or with youth as a peer helper and tutor. I have also been involved in a research lab on parent-child relationships and their environment, as well as in a research lab studying stroke and behavioural recovery at the University of Ottawa. Additionally, I completed an internship at a family services center, where I conducted a feasibility study on implementing a mental health program for the community.

These past experiences have shaped me into a deeply empathetic and open-minded person who values mutual support, respect, personal growth, and self-exploration. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey toward healing, self-understanding, and inner peace.

Treatments

Therapies