About Hilario Martinez

First Session

My name is Hilario Martinez. I am glad you have taken the time to consider therapy with me! First sessions can be scary and nerve wrecking, so my goal is to make sure you feel comfortable and safe right from the start.

Once we take the time to get to know one another, we will begin to discuss what brought you to therapy, explore short term, and long term goals, and if time permits, we will start working on a treatment plan that is best suited for you.

Making the decision to attend therapy will be a part of your unique journey and I would be honored to be the one to provide you with the tools needed in your journey in life.

Therapy, what’s that?

Kobe Bryant lived by a mantra he developed and described as “the constant quest to be a better version of yourself”.

Together we can work towards this by aligning your beliefs, values, and actions to overcome past, present, and future challenges.

This quest to be a better version of yourself may prove to be a difficult one if depression or anxiety have a hold of you.

Hope

I want to gently remind you to not lose hope and feel helpless. In therapy we will work towards managing and challenging thoughts that lead to anxiety and sadness. This also means exploring personal life events that might have been traumatic and scary to you to understand how they have shaped you.

In therapy we will work at your pace and not mine. The healing process will be guided with you behind the wheel and me as the passenger. Together, we’ll get you to your desired destination!

Trauma

I personally know how difficult it is to experience a traumatic experience and not be able to talk about it with anyone. In therapy you will have an opportunity to be open and vulnerable without judgement. You will have an opportunity, once you’re ready, to explore, process and gain a deeper understanding of self.

Be proud

You have taken the first step, whether seeking therapy for the first time, or returning; you’re putting YOU first, and should be proud of that.

About Hilario Martinez (MFT)

I know a few things about anxiety and its impact on your mental health. All throughout my college and professional development, I was raising/expanding a family as a young parent; working full time, and even managing an apartment complex.

My mind felt like it was constantly running an endless sprint. i was constantly thinking of future oriented tasks and I had to learn ways to stay in the present moment.

I know firsthand how hard life can get to navigate when adversity has you gripped, but i also know how great it feels to get help and to put in the work of self growth.

Education

My journey began at Glendale Community college. Right before i was getting ready to transfer out of GCC, I felt lost as to what degree and field I wanted to head towards. A good friend of mine recommended I take a psychology course to see if it would interest me; I found a great interest in psychology, applying what I was learning in my own life, and I found it extremely beneficial to my individual growth in a time I really needed it.

I transferred to Cal State Los Angeles (CSULA) and earned my BA in Psychology. At CSULA I met two amazing professors who encouraged me to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. At Pacific Oaks College is where I attained my MA degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in trauma.

My experience at Pacific Oaks College was filled with many challenges; I chose to do a four year part time program to allow for a full time job and be present with my family. In my third year i was having constant mental battles about quitting grad school. With the support of my partner, family and friends i was able to complete my degree in the midst of a pandemic.

Professional Development

I have 7 years experience working in community behavioral and mental health organizations. Most of my experience as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist comes from helping young adults overcome and manage their anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and improve their quality of life.

Who am I?

I am a father raising three beautiful children with my partner. I love basketball (playing and watching). I enjoy listening to all types of music/genres, and I have a cat named Nova (who eats and sleeps all day). I enjoy relaxing and streaming shows, find pleasure buying candles, swimming.