Joana Martins, AM, LSW
Psychotherapist (she/her/ela)
Specialties
Depression | Anxiety | Self-Esteem Issues | Life Transitions | Relationship Challenges | Complex Family Dynamics | Trauma & Complex Trauma | Work-life Balance | Identity Issues | LGBTQ+ | Kink-friendly
Languages
English | Portuguese
About Joana
Navigating life’s challenges can often leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, disconnected from ourselves, or even questioning who we really are. Having a space where you can freely express your thoughts and emotions, and explore them with someone who respects your complexity, can be a crucial step towards making sense of your experience and understanding how you got here. This supportive environment can help you develop awareness about yourself and empower you to confidently face life's obstacles.
Whether you are grappling with depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, facing a significant life transition, experiencing challenges in your relationships, dealing with complex family dynamics, or wanting to work through the impact of trauma and complex trauma, I am here to help. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals who are struggling to find or assert their voice, uncertain about how to move forward, or fearful about how finding their voice and redefining themselves might impact their relationships with others. Together, we will work to uncover the root causes of your struggles, and help you develop a stronger sense of self and purpose.
Therapy is a collaborative and deeply personal process. In our sessions, we will take the time to understand who you are and what you have been through, working at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I am committed to honoring your goals and helping you live a more intentional and fulfilling life. I offer therapy in both English and Portuguese, and I welcome working with queer and gender-expansive populations, respecting your perspectives on and relationship with your identities. I offer non-judgmental and kink-friendly support in your exploration of your sexual and erotic experiences, and can help you recognize and navigate the impact of systems of oppression, such as racism, on your inner experience.
My journey to becoming a therapist was not a straight path. Like many of my patients, finding a life filled with meaning took time and effort. Most importantly, it required accepting who I am and what drives me. After working as a management consultant helping corporations better serve their customers, and as a crisis services agent supporting individuals through some of their most challenging moments, I am now grateful to assist individuals in finding themselves so they can trustingly find meaning and direction in their own lives.
Education and Training
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis: Fellowship in Psychoanalysis
University of Chicago: AM in Social Work, Psychodynamic concentration
Nova School of Business and Economics, Lisbon: BS in Management
Professional affiliations
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis