Philadelphia Therapist Accepting New Patients: Daniel Martinez
Finding a Philadelphia therapist or Blue Bell, PA, therapist accepting new patients can be difficult. CFR is proud to have Staff Therapist Daniel Martinez, MFT, as a member of our organization. Daniel sees patients virtually and at CFR’s Center City Philadelphia office and Blue Bell, PA, office. He is currently accepting new patients.
Continue reading to learn more about Daniel, his therapeutic approaches, goals, and training.
Daniel Martinez, MFT
Daniel’s journey to becoming a therapist
Before starting my career as a therapist, I was a philosophy/pre-medical student with a background in biomedical sciences and a registered EMT. I have always been fascinated by how various fields of study can come together to inform how we understand the human experience. That is why I prioritize a holistic approach to my practice as a therapist that encompasses the various elements of a client’s mental health, such as their psychological well-being, physical health, diet, sleep, and sense of meaning or spirituality.
I enjoyed my time as a CFR intern-therapist where I learned how to practice as a therapist while also working with incredible mentors and colleagues. The environment at CFR fostered my desire to explore what my therapeutic approach would ultimately evolve into after graduating from the program, while also serving the diverse Philadelphia population that I have grown to love working with.
Just because you’re imperfect doesn’t mean you need “fixing”
I have always felt I had to learn to “wear the proper mask” to fit the mold of the various groups and communities that I have lived in throughout my life. As a result, I have developed an affinity towards authentic expression as part of my therapeutic technique. Part of that expression is normalizing that I am perfectly imperfect, just like my clients, colleagues, or mentors! We are imperfect humans that will never stop “figuring things out,” no matter how far we are in our respective journeys. There is something healing in knowing that while there is always room for us to improve ourselves, there is plenty about our current and imperfect condition that we can appreciate and which doesn’t require “fixing.”
What a new therapy patient can expect in their first session with Daniel
I do my best to create a nonjudgmental space to express and process any emotion, while keeping centered on my clients’ overall goal. During a first session, I get to know my client and their goals for therapy. We’ll talk about their concerns, their history, and any previous experiences with therapy. I try to get a sense of where my client is in their journey, whether they are just trying therapy for the first time or have years of work under their belt that they wish to build upon. Ultimately, I try to always make room to process the myriad emotional issues that come up while still keeping an overarching goal in mind so that we can track and appreciate a sense of progress that the client can take with them after therapy.
Goals for new patients
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients achieve a greater sense of authenticity and psychological wellness in order to discover their needs and fulfill their own aspirations. Therapy is more than simply talking with another individual about their problems. It can offer clients an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as help them develop new strategies for coping with challenges and stressors. As a therapist, my goal is to empower my clients to make positive changes in their lives while also helping them discover what they want their lives to look like.
No one is perfect or even close to it. As a therapist that is informed by the humanistic approach, I work to provide my clients with the supportive and non-judgmental environment to freely express themselves and achieve a sense of authenticity while also modeling that in my own “self-of-the-therapist.” It can be incredibly impactful to have someone there when things get rough and who can appreciate that our mistakes do not preclude us from living the type of life we wish to achieve.
With that in mind, I remain open to approaches my clients may be most receptive to as it pertains to their therapeutic goals. Some clients enter knowing what kind of therapy modality has helped in the past, while others have an idea of what they hope to get from our sessions together. Some folks respond well to simply gaining insight on their family history and their own pattern of behaviors, enough to see the changes they wanted. Others appreciate having the space, time, and compassionate ear that will listen to them and give them the grace to truly be heard. Whatever the journey, I aim to help my clients process those intermittent challenges and emotions while keeping us on track towards their intended mental health destination.
Struggling with the decision to book a therapy appointment?
I invite you to remember that seeking help, or even considering seeking some form of help is a sign of strength. Therapy can be a transformative experience that can help you understand and work through your challenges and improve your mental health. It can also be difficult, triggering, bring about emotions that we are apt to ignore, or challenge us in ways we may frequently try to avoid. So it is natural to feel apprehensive, especially if it is your first time seeking counseling. If you’re not sure if therapy is right for you, you can always reach out to a therapist for a brief consultation to discuss your options, so you do not have to feel like you are “roped in” to a tough and uncertain commitment. Finding a good fit in therapist is an important step in starting your mental health journey.
CFR therapists are accepting new patients. Ready to book an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist? Questions about session costs?
Daniel Martinez is a Philadelphia and Blue Bell, PA, therapist accepting new patients. Click here to book an appointment.
You may reach Daniel at dmartinez@councilforrelationships.org or 215-770-2334 ext 4336.
See our Therapist & Psychologist Directory to find a different CFR therapist or psychiatrist near you.
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