Yi Zhao Martins: Founder Story & Somatic Couples Therapist

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 curiosity planted the seeds for my life's work. 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—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, calm demeanor under pressure, and clinical professionalism. Yet, despite my academic achievements, I found myself deeply unhappy as a postgraduate law student and a young female Asian immigrant. This profound dissatisfaction led me into a painful state of depression and uncertainty.

Bridging Law, Immigration, and Somatic Psychology

It was during this dark period that I discovered solace in yoga. Supported by my friend Naoki Kanaboshi, who recognized my natural alignment with the practice, I pursued yoga teacher training at the Kripalu Yoga Center. This pivotal decision set me on a transformative new path: a Master's degree in Somatic Psychotherapy at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

During my admissions interview, my late advisor, Don Hanlon Johnson, posed a thought-provoking challenge: "Do you see yourself sitting still for a 60-minute therapy session?" I took that to heart, committing to daily seated meditation to cultivate stillness and non-reactivity in the face of discomfort. This skill proved invaluable when I became a marital counselor and child custody mediator.

The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita resonated deeply with me during this time: find your gift, give it your absolute best, and detach 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, extensive experience working with children, advanced mediator training, publishing a parenting book in Chinese, and volunteering all became milestones along my path. The culmination of these efforts led me to secure my dream job as a Child Custody Recommending Counselor at the Family Court. Thriving in fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled mediation sessions, I continuously elevated my ability to handle high-conflict couples with grace.

Somatic Therapy, Parts Work, and Systemic Family Solutions

However, the pandemic forced a reevaluation of priorities and work-life balance. I stepped out to build my own practice, focusing intensely on accessibility and convenience. I constantly ask myself: How can I make couples therapy easier for different work schedules? How can I provide better access to marital counseling for busy parents? How can I alleviate children's anxiety during reunification therapy? These questions fuel my drive to assist clients in every possible way, from streamlining insurance to embracing modern technological solutions.

Exploring Trust and Psychodrama: The Play "Finding Truths"

As my clinical practice matured, I realized that true relationship healing often requires us to step outside traditional talking patterns and physically embody our relational dynamics. This realization led me to expand my somatic background into the world of creative arts and theater.

To bridge the gap between clinical theory and experiential healing, I stepped into the role of a playwright. I wrote and produced Finding Truths, a play that explicitly utilizes psychodrama to explore the deep, somatic complexities of trust and mistrust in human systems. Through this creative medium, I am able to take the invisible, generational patterns of relationship conflict and bring them to life on stage, helping audiences feel, track, and understand their own psychological defenses. You can explore this creative extension of my work and learn more about the production at www.findingtruthsplay.com.

Fostering Secure Attachment and Relationship Healing

Even when I am not in session or working on the stage, my dedication to my families never wavers. I continuously seek out advanced training, create informative videos, and dive into the work because I am deeply passionate about what I do.

Let me share a secret with you—I still can't help but jump and hooray like a kid after a breakthrough couples session! Witnessing genuine connection re-emerge between partners fills me with pure joy.

Every day, I feel privileged to be on the right path, using my gift to make a positive impact. Healthy, harmonious family dynamics play a pivotal role in nurturing children, and a collaborative co-parenting relationship is an invaluable investment in a child's emotional resiliency. By fostering secure attachment bonds today, we pave the way for the mental well-being of future generations.

With every session, every play, and 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.