Rebecca Martin: Psychotherapist
This month, Lite Mind Body Clinic welcomed a new practitioner to the team – Rebecca Martin. Rebecca is a psychotherapist who is providing both virtual and in-person sessions to those interested in pursuing talk therapy. Rebecca’s experience in psychotherapy began in Scotland where she received a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of St. Andrews and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from the University of Strathclyde. When searching for a school to complete her Doctor of Education, Rebecca was drawn to the University of Toronto due to its reputation and the city’s vibrant multiculturalism. While earning her education in psychotherapy she has been active in the mental health community and has worked in a variety of settings with clients of varying ages and needs to support their wellness journey. Intrigued by Rebecca’s profile? Learn more about her and her journey as a psychotherapist in our interview below.
Why did you choose to study psychotherapy?
I chose to train and work as a psychotherapist because I know a lot of people struggle in life, and the opportunity to support them through the hard times is a way to lessen that burden. I see psychotherapy as a chance to make a significant change in a person’s life. I consider it a privilege to be a part of each person’s journey, as they choose to take steps forward for themselves, and I don’t take that trust for granted.
What issues do you have the most experience treating?
Most of my experience lies in working with clients who deal with anxiety, low moods, major life changes, stress from university or work, and interpersonal and relationship issues. I am open to treating clients with other kinds of issues, and I rarely say no to working with anyone. If I do, it’s because I know that another service would be the best support for them.
What is your goal by the end of each appointment?
My goal is that by the end of our appointment, we both have a better picture of your situation, we have a treatment plan, and you feel like you can manage better than you did when we started the appointment. Every person’s goal in therapy is different, so I aim to ensure the client feels like they are one step closer to achieving their goals, setting boundaries, and gaining relief.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your practice?
COVID has had a huge impact on my psychotherapy work. Firstly, appointments being online meant a reduction in the essential human contact that plays a huge part in psychotherapy. I am grateful to be able to practice effectively online via Zoom, but the connection is very different. Secondly, for most people, COVID caused a massive disruption in their lives, which meant an increase in stress, anxiety, worry and isolation. Unfortunately, many people have lost loved ones throughout the pandemic creating a spike in those experiencing remorse and grief. For myself, COVID has reminded me how important human contact is to our wellbeing, and how difficult it can be to manage our daily lives without a strong support network.
What are you most passionate about in your personal life and practice?
I am most passionate about people – meeting, getting to know them, and doing what I can to support them. I uphold this value in my professional and personal life. There is so much injustice in the world, in this country, and in this city. I do what I can to reduce that on an individual level.
How do you incorporate self-care into your daily life?
I take self-care seriously in my life. I do my best to keep my work and study time separate from my personal life to maintain boundaries, allowing me to rest properly at the end of each day. I enjoy crafts and connecting with my creative side. I like trying out different art projects from time to time but I don’t put pressure on myself to produce anything brilliant, I do it for the fun of the process! I often have to remind myself that self-care does not need to result in increased productivity but is simply important for the personal benefits it provides.
Why did you choose to work with Lite Mind Body Clinic?
I wanted to practice at Lite Mind Body Clinic because of their unique combination of wellness treatments. I believe that a person’s wellbeing is made up of all the different parts of the mind and body. The clinic’s staff and practitioners share a desire to support total wellness. I believe that Lite Mind Body Clinic is a special place where people can come to receive top-class health care services.
