Yoshie Martinez

Human behavior fascinates me. I have been interested in what makes us happy, angry, sad or anxious. What attracts us to one another? What pushes us away? What leads us to do the things we do? This curiosity led me to do a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Carleton University. This wasn’t enough; I wanted some hands-on experience.

My curiosity of how we survive in the toughest of times led me to volunteer at the crisis lines in Ottawa. I discovered the strength that people have to survive the toughest of times and wanted to be involved and help in more than only crisis times, how could I help make a difference in people’s lives? How could I get more involved? I started my counselling career by completing a Master of Education in Counselling at the University of Ottawa and working for over five years as the Anger Program Counsellor at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, a community agency dedicated to helping women in trouble with the law. The power and importance of relationships and family became very apparent, as well as the damaging effects that trauma and abuse have. I recognized the need to be able to work with the couple or the family unit and I enrolled and completed a certificate in Couples Counselling at St Paul University.

I now work with anybody over the age of 8 who is looking to heal their emotional pain, past trauma, create self-awareness and understanding and is looking to improve the relationship they have with their partner or family. I help people improve their relationship with one-another, I support couples through tough times, and guide them towards a better understanding of their partnership and their trauma. I continue to learn and grow from the work that I do and by enrolling in professional development courses. I cherish the moments of growth that I have been privileged to witness.