“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
–Brené Brown
Hi, I’m Mart, and I’m glad you’re here.
After three decades in corporate leadership roles and a midlife awakening to new passions, I’m proof that it’s never too late to consider a new path. My second-half journey eventually led to my completion of the master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University. I practice under the supervision of Andy Melton, PhD, LPC-MHSP while completing requirements for licensure in the state of Tennessee.
In my present work with adult individuals and couples, I integrate narrative and existential approaches alongside mindfulness, strengths-based, CBT, and other evidence-based interventions to effectively meet clients in their struggles and help them gain meaningful change. I work diligently to offer an inviting, encouraging, non-judgmental space where clients can share and unpack their stories, rediscover their authentic selves, and explore pathways to healing, personal growth, and more fulfilling ways of living.
On a personal note...
I grew up in a nearby small town and, since 1994, my wife and I have called Nashville home. We enjoy hosting friends and family, binging home renovation shows, and frequenting our favorite, local restaurants. Our small but inviting backyard is my personal “happy place”. When things heat up there, we enjoy road trips to cooler destinations and travels abroad. We have two adult children and one precious granddaughter, with whom we are quite enamored.
Individual Counseling
Human connection is important to our overall health and wellbeing. Your relationship with others (and with yourself) significantly impacts your quality of life.
Your relationship with your therapist matters, too. I am committed to creating an inviting, nonjudgmental, calming space where you’ll quickly feel welcome to be yourself; where you feel seen and heard, perhaps for the first time in a long while.
I get it. Bearing your soul to another takes fierce courage. Keeping the inmost parts of self hidden feels safe, comfortable. But eventually, it is exhausting. The willingness to choose courage over comfort offers priceless dividends. To be known – to share our story - creates opportunities for self-compassion, self-acceptance and a strengthening sense of worthiness to emerge. Loving and accepting ourselves is foundational to our capacity for personal growth and deeper intimacy with others.
“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.”
― Parker Palmer
Couple Counseling
Maintaining a strong, intimate connection with your partner requires daily intentionality. A million things draw your attention elsewhere. It’s easy to become distracted and detached from your mate.
Since you’ve landed here, perhaps this is your story? That’s okay, there is hope. Meaningful, lasting change is possible - even when partners’ initial commitment levels are not entirely in-sync. From the moment we begin couple counseling, I work to create a welcoming, calming, safe environment that sets couples at ease and allows us to get right to work.
The issues bringing you to counseling probably didn’t emerge overnight. The road to relational redemption often contains unanticipated debris and difficult turns alongside unimaginable gifts. In and beyond the therapy room, it’s not uncommon for couples to experience a pace that feels like two-steps-forward, one-step-back. Patience is key. Patience with yourself. Patience with your partner. Patience with the process. You’ve made it this far, and that already tells me you are resilient, persevering. I’m eager to hear your story. To bear witness to your pain and your progress. To celebrate the new narrative you co-create.
Let’s connect and see if couple counseling is right for you.
“The greatest gift you can give your partner is your undivided presence. Be fully engaged, listen deeply, and show up with love and compassion.”
― John Gottman
Pre-Marital Counseling
Congratulations on your engagement! Pre-marital counseling offers a focused space to explore important aspects of married life and common sources of conflict. More importantly, it is a space where you will build an ever-deepening, intimate understanding of your partner and yourself.
I offer a welcoming environment and unassuming approach that quickly puts couples at ease as we begin our six- to eight-week sessions. I utilize Prepare/Enrich, an evidence-based program that includes individual online assessments and feedback reports, providing a comprehensive perspective of the couple’s relationship and unique personality traits. Partners’ combined assessment results provide a framework for our session content and focused work.
My professional training and education alongside my own life experiences have equipped me for the work that I enjoy. Working with couples as they prepare for their new life together is especially rewarding. I will consider it an honor and a joy to participate in your journey.
