The First Step to Entering a Healthy Gay Relationship
A few years ago I first saw a client who was extremely frustrated and sad because he was having trouble
Israel Martinez, LCSW
February 11, 2014
Psychotherapist
Matthew (he/they) believes in the power of healing through connection. He helps clients overcome their challenges and build strong communities of support by working in collaboration to create a therapeutic relationship rooted in trust and full acceptance. They feel strongly that therapy is not only a space to overcome life’s difficulties but also where clients can emerge in their authentic beauty, beyond the limiting nature of societal constructs and oppressive systems.
Matthew has a background in community organizing, education, and direct clinical work with individuals, groups, and couples/polycules. From organizing with community members around advocating for safer gun laws to working as a teacher for students with autism, Matthew has experienced the healing nature of building meaningful relationships with others. Their experience as a queer individual from the rural South and their prior degrees in Government and Economics have provided them with a unique understanding of the complexities associated with the challenges individuals face. Additionally, Matthew’s most recent experience as a mental health intern at The Center has prepared them to help individuals, couples/polycules, and groups overcome societal constructs that limit their ability to feel safe and achieve their goals.
Matthew utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches, such as Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Functioning Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and incorporates Queer Theory and Attachment Theory into his work with clients. Through collaboration, Matthew hopes all of his clients find the therapeutic space to feel safe, healing, and empowering.
Matthew self-identifies as queer, genderqueer and White.
Couples grow over time, changing their relationship dynamics. This can create tension within a connection that once served as a sanctuary. When these relationship dynamics change, it’s important to come together as a couple to reconnect and commit to adapting to the change that’s occurring. However, sometimes coming together is difficult, and we get lost… Continue reading When is it Time for Couples Counseling?
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