Find a therapist in Saint Paul, MN — covered by insurance

I specialize in treating Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (EIPs).

I work with individuals 18+, couples, and parents who want to heal from their past, build healthier relationships, and break cycles of emotional neglect in their own families. I also help clients navigate difficult relationships with parents and in-laws.

I help clients learn to:

-Set boundaries

-Understand and manage their emotions & triggers

-Recognize and rewire old patterns

-Identify + communicate their wants/needs

-Feel more confident & comfortable in their own skin

-Build healthier, more authentic relationships

-Better understand their past - and themself

I also provide virtual support groups for both CEN and Adult Children of EIPs.

I've long been drawn to the dance between the psychological and the spiritual. As I journeyed my own early path of discovery, it lead me to studies in psychology, classic literature, and theology in undergraduate, and then later Buddhist psychotherapy and meditation, and depth psychology in graduate school. I received my graduate degree from Naropa University's Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program in 2003, and am licensed in WI (LPC) and MN (LPCC). I am a practitioner of shamatha-vipassyana meditation, and have a well-established background of working for various therapy group practices in MN and WI.

Education

2003, Naropa University, MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology.

1998, College of St. Benedict, BA in Psychology; 1997 study abroad in Beibei, China.

As a lifelong student of East and West methodologies, I blend Person-Centered, CBT, Gestalt, depth psychology, somatic, and Buddhist psychology views. I also take a trauma-informed, IFS-informed, EFT-informed approach. I spent many years exploring Christian mysticism and theology before finding my own path and practice in Tibetan Buddhism for the past 20+ years, and I welcome heartfelt conversations about any psycho-spiritual path.

Welcome to Family Forward Therapy, a Texas-based group practice offering virtual therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Our team includes therapists with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and areas of focus so we can help connect you with someone who fits your individual needs.

I’m Roberto Martinez, therapist and founder of Family Forward Therapy. I’ve built a team of clinicians with different backgrounds, specialties, and experiences so that clients have more options when looking for the right therapist.

We work with concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship and family challenges, parenting stress, grief, life transitions, and more. Our clinicians also bring experience working with populations and concerns that can sometimes be harder to find specialized support for.

When you schedule through this profile, you are connecting with Family Forward Therapy rather than only one individual therapist. After you book, we may contact you briefly to learn what type of therapy you’re seeking and what you would like help with. Based on your needs, preferences, availability, and insurance, your appointment may be reassigned to another therapist within our practice who may be a better fit.

Our goal is simple: help you get connected with the right therapist without having to spend weeks searching.

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience working in schools with children and adolescents, hospital settings with adults, and private practice with clients from diverse backgrounds. I have supported students in building emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills, adults coping with acute mental health challenges, and private clients navigating a wide range of life experiences. My work is informed by a trauma-informed perspective, and I am committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for every client.

Clients often describe me as empathetic, grounded, and collaborative. I value building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding, and I tailor my approach to meet each person’s unique needs and goals.

I am an experienced EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Consultant specializing in trauma (physical safety, attachment, medical/dental), compulsions (drug/alcohol, sugar/food, nail biting), pain management, fear of driving/flying, procrastination, anger issues, and avoidant behavior.

Hi, I'm Alex! My path into this work began in early childhood development, where I learned just how much our earliest relationships and experiences shape the way we move through the world as adults. That foundation still informs everything I do; I'm endlessly curious about the "why" behind how we feel and behave, and I hold that curiosity with warmth and zero judgment.

Outside of my practice you'll usually find me behind a camera. Photography taught me to slow down and pay attention to small, beautiful details, and to appreciate that the same scene can look completely different depending on where you're standing (a lesson that I find turns out to be pretty useful in therapy as well). I love being out in nature whenever I can and at home I share my space with a cuddly cat who supervises most of my day.

I have been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for over 10 years. I love meeting people where they are at and helping them get to where they want to be. I have found a lot of success with clients who are ready for change - signing up for therapy is the first step. If you are ready, let's begin.