- 25 years experience
- Christian counseling available
- Practical, skills-focused
About Martha
Martha Ayala-Tannis is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years in the mental health field. She brings long experience to conversations about relationships, parenting, trauma, and major life changes. Martha offers Christian counseling as one option and listens as people describe what matters most to them.
She uses several well-known approaches to guide sessions, including client-centered work and cognitive behavioral tools. These methods are adapted to each person's situation rather than applied the same way to everyone. Martha aims to keep sessions practical and focused on small steps that people can try between meetings.
Martha's background includes two and a half decades of practice in Connecticut. Over that time she has worked with people facing relationship strain, parenting stress, trauma and abuse, and transitions in life. Her experience shapes a calm, steady approach in talking through problems and planning next steps.
In session she combines active listening with clear, goal-oriented strategies. She may suggest behavioral experiments, reflective conversation, or coping skills drawn from dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing. The work is collaborative - she helps people identify priorities and decide what to try next.
People who prefer an approach that balances practical tools with open, accepting conversation may find this style helpful. Those interested in Christian counseling should mention this when they complete the intake steps so sessions align with their values and goals.
How Martha’s approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and helping people find their own answers. The therapist reflects what is said, encourages exploration, and follows the person's pace to build understanding and confidence.Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify unhelpful thoughts and tries out different behaviors. It is useful for addressing relationship problems, parenting challenges, and coping with life changes through concrete steps people can practice between sessions.
Dialectical behavior therapy offers skills for managing strong emotions and improving communication. Techniques can include emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindful interaction to reduce reactive patterns in relationships.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Martha will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before. Together the client and therapist choose strategies that fit the person's needs and make adjustments as therapy progresses.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can tailor session length and focus so therapy aligns with everyday schedules and practical goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Connecticut, New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Martha address?
She works with relationship struggles, family and parenting stress, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Sessions blend client-centered listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and other approaches to set small, realistic goals.
How much experience does she bring?
Martha has been in the mental health field since 1997, giving her about 25 years of experience working with adults on relationship and parenting issues.
Where does she practice and what are her credentials?
She practices in Connecticut and holds LCSW credentials in New York and Connecticut.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Martha?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.