Yi Zhao Martins, LMFT #85397

From Law to Somatic Psychology

As a 13-year-old girl, I developed a fascination with psychology. Late at night, I would secretly read Freud's "Dream Analysis" under my covers with a flashlight, captivated by the complexities of the human mind. This early interest in psychology planted the seeds for my future endeavors.

Fast forward ten years, and I found myself standing on stage, accepting the Children's Justice Project award for my research on Children's Law in Madison, WI. It was a proud moment that reaffirmed my passion for advocating for the rights and well-being of children.

Driven by my innate affinity for both law and psychology, I pursued legal education in both China and the US. Over the course of seven years, I delved into the intricacies of the legal system, honing my logical thinking and professionalism. These qualities, combined with my calm demeanor under pressure, made me a natural fit for roles such as a couples therapist and mediator.

However, my journey took an unexpected turn. Despite my academic achievements, I found myself deeply unhappy as a post-graduate law student and as an Asian descendant young female immigrant. This dissatisfaction led me into a state of depression and uncertainty. It was during this dark period that I discovered solace in yoga.

With the support of my friend Naoki Kanaboshi, who recognized my natural talent for yoga, I decided to pursue yoga teacher training at the Kripalu Yoga Center. Little did I know that this decision would set me on a transformative path. Encouraged by Naoki, I embarked on a Master's degree in Somatic Psychotherapy.

Serendipitously, my pursuit of personal growth led me to the California Institute of Integral Studies, where I was accepted into the Somatic Psychology program. During my interview with my former advisor, Don Halon Johnson, he posed a thought-provoking question: "Do you see yourself sitting still for a 60-minute therapy session?" Taking it as a challenge, I committed to practicing seated meditation daily, cultivating stillness and non-reactivity in the face of discomfort.

Little did I know that this newfound skill would prove invaluable in my future career as a marital counselor and child custody mediator. The Gita's teachings resonated with me, emphasizing the importance of finding one's gift, giving it their best, and detaching from the outcome. These principles became the guiding force behind the laser-focused pursuit of my career goals.

Graduate school completion, licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, experience working with children and families, mediator training, volunteer work, and publishing a parenting book in Chinese all became milestones along my path. The culmination of my efforts led me to secure my dream job as a Child Custody Recommending Counselor at the Family Court. Thriving in the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled mediation sessions, I continuously elevated my ability to handle high-conflict couples with grace and professionalism.

However, the outbreak of the pandemic forced me, like many others, to reassess my priorities and establish a better work-life balance. Understanding the unique needs of my clients, I began building my practice with a focus on accessibility and convenience. How could I make couples therapy sessions easier for those with different work schedules? How could I provide better access to marital counseling for parents? How could I alleviate children's anxiety during reunification therapy? These questions fueled my drive to assist my clients in every possible way, from streamlining insurance reimbursement to embracing technological solutions.

Even when I'm not in session, my dedication to my clients never wavers. I continuously seek out training opportunities, handle administrative tasks, reach out to collaterals, and create informative videos. Why? Because I am deeply passionate about working with couples and families!

Let me share something with you—I can't help but jump and hooray like a kid after each couples therapy session. Witnessing the genuine connection that develops between partners and seeing the progress they make fills me with joy. Celebrating the successful interventions we've made together is a true delight for me!

Every day, I feel privileged to be on the right path, doing the job of my dreams. I wholeheartedly believe that I am putting my gift to good use, making a positive impact on the lives of others.

You see, healthy relationships and harmonious family dynamics play a pivotal role in nurturing children. A collaborative co-parenting relationship serves as an invaluable investment in children's emotional resiliency. By fostering a secure attachment bond between parents and children, we pave the way for the mental well-being of future generations.

With every session, and with every family I work with, I am committed to invoking positive change. It is an honor to be part of your journey, helping you navigate challenges, and fostering growth and healing one step at a time.