Suzanne Martinez, LMFT

Suzanne Martinez is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. She focuses on practical steps people can use right away. Suzanne writes and teaches about skills for personal well-being and growth, and brings 25 years of experience to her work in Illinois.

Her style is straightforward and strengths-based. She helps clients name goals, notice patterns that hold them back, and test small changes that build confidence. Conversations are focused on useful tools rather than long theory discussions.

Suzanne draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take committed action. Client-Centered Therapy guides the supportive tone she brings to sessions.

She has worked in university counseling and private practice settings, and has experience helping people with grief, trauma, addictions, career transitions, and parenting challenges. Suzanne also supports people dealing with ADHD, compassion fatigue, and first responder stress.

Sessions emphasize clear, manageable steps and real-life practice between meetings. Suzanne helps clients track progress and adjust approaches as needed. Her goal is to help people feel more capable and in charge of next steps.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Suzanne commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people find and change thoughts and actions that get in the way of daily functioning. CBT focuses on practical exercises and homework that people can practice between sessions to reduce anxiety or low mood.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients name what matters most and take small, value-driven steps even when emotions feel difficult. ACT can be useful for coping with chronic stress, grief, or ongoing life changes.

Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. Suzanne will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped in the past. Together they pick methods and pace that feel manageable and realistic.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when gestures and expressions matter. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text-based messaging let people send thoughts between sessions and get ongoing support in brief, written form.

These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, keep momentum between visits, and practice new skills in real situations.