Clinician Spotlight: Marta Robinson, LMHC
Meet Marta!
Marta is practicing out of our Georgetown office. She holds licensure in MA and NH and, therefore, able to work virtually with clients residing in MA and NH.
1.) When did you first know you wanted to become a therapist?
I always knew I wanted to be in a helping profession (I come from a long line of "helpers"), but it took some time figuring out what I was most passionate about. One of my first jobs out of college, I was facilitating a literacy program in a public school in San Francisco. I found myself gravitating more towards offering emotional support to my students rather than the literacy support. From there, I had a fleeting thought that I wanted to go into tech and business. I joined a 15 person start-up company that focused on travel. I lasted 10 months...I knew exactly where my heart was. I started grad school 2 months later for mental health and behavioral medicine.
2.) Where did you go to school and what was one of the highlights of your learning experience?
I received my Master's from Boston University Medical School in their Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine Program. It is the only program in the country that has the behavioral medicine component, and that is what drew me to it. While there were so many highlights, the most profound moments came when I was sitting in a lecture or on site doing clinical work...this overwhelming feeling of passion for what I was learning and certainty that I had made the correct career choice.
3.) What is something you have discovered about being a therapist that perhaps you didn't realize when you first started this journey?
I always had this idea in my head that therapists had it all together and didn't make mistakes, or rather couldn't make mistakes! We are human too. I might not always get it right, and I promise I will own it and learn from it. Mistakes fuel growth and development.
4.) What are some of your most go-to approaches, interventions or skills?
I believe in a person-centered approach to facilitate self-discovery, self-love and self-growth. I love incorporating CBT and DBT techniques as it can be helpful to have a tangible skill-set in moments of distress or feeling overwhelmed. I also value the power of mindfulness and meditation, but I think this can look different for everyone. For me, collaboration is key, if something doesn't feel helpful to you, I want to know!
5.) What is one of the more challenging things about being in this field?
It is such a privilege to be let in to one's experiences and feelings, and I take that very seriously. I care deeply for each of my patients and their well being. It is sometimes extremely difficult to compartmentalize and not let this seep into other areas of my life. Creating the work/life balance is something I strive for daily.
6.) Which themes/topics interest you when considering continuing education in the near future?
I would love to complete more training in couples therapy. When two people are willing to engage in therapy and work on something greater than themselves, that is powerful. I have also done a lot of trauma work and would love to become trained in EMDR.
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan is one of the all time favorite books. It is a remarkable story and personal reflection of an experience unlike any other. It really brings to light the experience of being delusional and psychotic. Letters to A Young Therapist by Mary Pipher is also a wonderful read.
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