Kathy Martello’s Journey: A Dedicated Mental Health Counselor

Kathy Martello, LMHC, always knew she had a gift for listening and empathy. Before pursuing a master’s degree, she carefully considered her career path, driven by the desire to do something she was passionate about. She recognized that true fulfillment comes from doing what you love, not just working for a paycheck. This realization led her to a career in mental health, where her natural talents could shine.

Finding Her Calling
Kathy’s journey began when she noticed that friends and family consistently turned to her for support and a listening ear. She relished the opportunity to help others understand their lives, gain self-awareness, and piece together their backgrounds and childhoods to pave the way for their future. This deep satisfaction in aiding others’ personal growth motivated her to pursue a career in mental health.

Before entering the mental health field, Kathy worked in case management, where she felt limited by her lack of tools and knowledge. This frustration pushed her to seek further education. She completed her graduate studies, secured an internship, and eventually began her professional career in New York. Inspired by her experiences, she started her own practice on the side, finding joy and balance in her work and personal life.

Transition to Telehealth
Kathy transitioned from agency work to becoming a contractor, working entirely from home via telehealth. This shift brought her comfort and freedom, especially as she grew older and valued the convenience of not commuting. She observed that many clients also benefited from telehealth, avoiding the hassles of travel, particularly during the pandemic.

Educational Journey and Professional Growth
Kathy is a licensed mental health counselor in New York and Pennsylvania. Her educational journey included working full-time while attending graduate school, achieving a delicate balance between work and life. She initially considered marriage and family counseling but opted for licensed mental health counseling due to her personal experiences and interests.

Her background in case management exposed her to various populations, but she eventually specialized in individual counseling, particularly for women dealing with codependency issues. Kathy’s practice also includes helping clients recognize and escape abusive relationships, drawing from her personal experiences and extensive self-help research.

Therapeutic Approaches
Kathy employs various therapeutic approaches, with a strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She helps clients combat irrational thoughts and develop practical self-care routines. She also incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, particularly in addressing black-and-white thinking, and uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma therapy.

As a Christian counselor, Kathy integrates faith and spirituality into her practice when clients are interested. Her approach to therapy is comprehensive, addressing both the psychological and spiritual needs of her clients.

Overcoming Personal Challenges
Kathy’s journey has not been without challenges. She acknowledges being triggered by clients who remind her of her mother, particularly older women in abusive relationships who choose to stay. This issue led her to seek clinical counseling to manage these triggers effectively.

Success and Research
Despite these challenges, Kathy has successfully helped many clients recognize and escape abusive relationships. She educates them on red flags, boundary issues, and the power and control dynamics in relationships. Her dedication to continuous learning and growth drives her research interests, focusing on personal growth and trauma therapy.

Personal Triumphs
Kathy’s personal life has also influenced her practice. After a decade of estrangement due to family dynamics, she reconciled with her son. Their renewed relationship has become a cornerstone of her life, providing hope and inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

Foundation and Perseverance
Kathy credits her early agency training in New York for providing the foundation she needed. The diverse and challenging cases she encountered honed her skills and perseverance, shaping her into the seasoned counselor she is today. She heard about the SWEET Institute from several colleagues and decided to join. She reports being very satisfied and thrilled by the rare blend of outstanding training, strong community, and welcoming, engaging course facilitators.

Kathy Martello’s journey is a testament to the power of empathy, continuous learning, and the pursuit of passion. Her dedication to helping others heal and grow, coupled with her personal triumphs, makes her a beacon of hope and inspiration in the field of mental health.

I enjoy working with individuals who have experienced difficult childhoods or abusive relationships. Many clients tell me they immediately sense my genuineness, non-judgmental nature, empathy, and care. I hold a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and am certified in EMDR. With over a decade of experience at a community mental health center, I have been exposed to a wide range of therapeutic approaches and diagnoses, along with training in evidence-based treatment interventions.

Currently, I operate a telehealth practice with a special focus on individuals who have experienced trauma due to childhood abuse, including those who have endured narcissistic parenting and have subsequently found themselves in similar relationships. I share the mental health community’s consensus that these issues can lead to codependency, characterized by people-pleasing, a lack of assertiveness, and poor boundaries. Recovery requires changes in thinking and behavior, and sometimes additional interventions, such as medication. I believe that staying informed about leading research is essential, and my interventions will include educational components for my clients.

Before starting my private practice, I worked for many years in case management within behavioral health settings. I also feel a special kinship with those struggling to balance their drive for career success with their desire to enjoy life and relationships. My own career journey has only deepened my passion for forming meaningful connections with others, and I hope to have the opportunity to do so with you.