Riley Martin (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I believe in the innate capacity we all possess to learn, change and grow. In therapy, I foster a space that is welcoming, caring, safe and nonjudgmental, where my clients can be heard and supported. Life is not always easy, and I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but I will journey with you as you process and heal.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and French as well as a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Additionally, I hold my Masters of Divinity in Clinical Counselling from Tyndale University. I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. In addition to being an EMDR therapist, I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and use these approaches with my clients.
I have experience and interest working with individuals with a variety of mental health related concerns including, family of origin challenges, attachment injuries, relationship difficulties, communication issues, perfectionism, past trauma and anxiety. I enjoy working with both individuals and couples.
I bring an attachment-based, and trauma informed lens to my work with clients. My practice draws primarily from the therapeutic approaches of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I seek to meet my clients with strategies and approaches that work best for them, and I tailor my approach to fit the needs of each client.
"The values I hold as a clinician and bring into my work are compassion, curiosity and honesty."
Riley started with us in July 2022. When she first approached Carly it was clear that her passion, warmth and enthusiastic spirit would be an incredible asset to our team.
Riley's wealth of experience working with clients in a University health care setting and previous role as a teacher brings a valuable skill set which offers so much to our clients. Riley brings experience working with children and younger teens using play-based therapy and other modalities to help children engage in this important work.
Riley has a passion for growth in this field and we are lucky to have her part of this team.
What areas of practice and populations do you enjoy working with?
What modalities do you use? How would you describe your approach/style to this work?
I have experience and interest working with individuals with a variety of mental health related concerns including, family of origin challenges, attachment injuries, relationship difficulties, communication issues, perfectionism, past trauma and anxiety. I am an EMDR therapist in addition to being trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am passionate about both approaches, using them often with many of the people I work with. I love working with both individuals and couples and I also enjoy working with young adults.
What prevents people from coming in and doing this work?
My therapeutic approach is based in both Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals or couples, as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I seek to meet my clients with strategies and approaches that work best for them, and I tailor my approach to fit the needs of each individual.
How do you know you're the right fit for a client?
I know I’m the right fit for a client when they feel safe and comfortable in our appointments together. I believe that emotional safety is the foundation for any good therapy to happen!
What can prevent people from coming to therapy is sometimes the belief that an issue or challenge is not “big” enough for therapy, or that they “should” have moved on already. I believe nothing is too small to bring to therapy, and what takes up mental space is always worth talking about.
"When people aren’t sure what to talk about in therapy (which is totally normal!), I start with identifying 3 important feelings from their week and use this as a bouncing-off point to what matters most to them on that day. "
Why do you think most people avoid coming into therapy?
What can prevent people from coming to therapy is sometimes the belief that an issue or challenge is not “big” enough for therapy, or that they “should” have moved on already. I believe nothing is too small to bring to therapy, and what takes up mental space is always worth talking about.
What approach do you take when treating anxiety?
When treating anxiety, I try to help my clients understand the purpose that anxiety is trying to serve and ‘protect’ them.
When treating someone with an Eating Disorder, what do you feel they need most?
When treating someone with an Eating Disorder, I believe most people need validation the emotions that accompany the ED, and that the ED tries to help manage. I think this helps us to make sense of why the ED ‘steps in’.
What made you want to work with CCP?
What drew me to CCP was the opportunity to work and learn within a community of professionals. I’m a huge proponent of lifelong learning and I could tell immediately that CCP would be the place where I could continue to learn and collaborate with other clinicians. I also welcomed the opportunity to work in the office after many hours spent in my home office!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is when my clients discover and realize how their innate resiliency and strength have been with them all along, even in the face of difficulty. It is incredibly rewarding to look back with my clients on the progress that they have made and celebrate these gains.
The most surprising thing about you?
I was an elementary teacher before pursuing a career as a therapist. I am passionate about the impact that education and learning bring- especially within the therapeutic space! I have taught and volunteered in various educational settings both in the Halton region, as well as internationally in Honduras and St. Lucia. One last thing, I love home design! You can find me trying the latest DIYs with the help of my somewhat reluctant husband.
