Christian Martinez

Navigating life's uncharted waters can be daunting, but Christian Martinez stands ready as a compassionate guide on your journey towards mental wellness. As a Graduate Student Intern at Heights Family Counseling, Christian specializes in supporting adolescents and adults through life transitions, stress, anxiety, and depression. His person-centered approach creates a nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients are empowered to share their burdens without fear.

Christian's counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual's experience is valuable and worthy of attention. He tailors his sessions to fit the unique needs of each client, incorporating elements from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and cognitive approaches. In his sessions, clients can expect to work on accepting difficult emotions, cultivating mindfulness, and taking meaningful action aligned with their personal values.

With a special focus on grief counseling, supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and addressing issues surrounding chronic illness and aging in older adults, Christian brings a diverse skill set to his practice. His goal is to help clients grow in resilience and self-compassion, gradually feeling stronger and more capable of living fulfilling lives.

Christian's academic journey reflects his commitment to understanding the human psyche. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with double minors in Philosophy and Sociology from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Currently, he is pursuing his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas, with an expected graduation date of May 2025.

Outside the therapy room, Christian maintains a well-rounded life that informs his practice. He enjoys catching up on streaming shows, exercising, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends. These personal experiences contribute to his ability to relate to clients and understand the importance of balance in one's life. As he continues to develop his skills under the supervision of Dr. Justyn Smith, PhD, LPC-S, Christian Martinez is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where clients can work towards overcoming distressing situations and moving towards a more fulfilling life.