I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Jersey with over 18 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, children and adults with trauma history along with those struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting issues, anxiety and depression. I have seen firsthand the difference a caring, empathetic, and attentive adult can make in a person’s life and feel honored when that can be me.
For the last 8 years I have worked as a "crisis counselor" and clinician, seeing clients on a regular basis as well as supporting those in and through a crisis. I am able to think quick on my feet and can stay calm in high intensity situations. Throughout this time, I have assessed for safety and danger to self and others due to mental illness and have made determinations as to whether or not someone is in need of psychiatric hospitalization and am certified to make the decision that one needs to enter into a hospital for treatment. On the other side, I have also safety planned with many and have been able to connect people to supports that they need whether it be referrals that fit their current situation, assisting in making a plan to keep them safe and connecting the person to someone whom they feel comfortable with should they be in crisis again.
I believe in treating the mind, body, and soul and understand as well as acknowledge, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and why it is important to utilize all the tools we have (or have yet to find) because we all have the power within us to heal, sometimes we just need some help getting there. I believe in the importance of coping skills and can help you find them or strengthen the ones you already have. This can include meditation, exercise, utilizing crystals or essential oils to help heal and calm oneself, and will seek outside supports when needed.
I am a firm believer in working within my limits as a therapeutic clinician and have no problem offering referrals when necessary. My overall goal is to continue providing the support, offering guidance, and making a difference in the lives of others, using my expertise in trauma informed treatment and having an open mind.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Jealousy, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-harm, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NJ LMFT 37FI00198400
OR LMFT T2273
CA LMFT 123817
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Veronica Cruz-Martinez. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Veronica is amazing. Right off the bat I felt comfortable in a judgment free zone. I’ve seen a few therapists and for me personally, I appreciate her down to earth, open-minded approach to some of the more formal therapists I’ve worked with. I don’t feel like I’m in a therapy session. I feel like I’m talking to a trusted friend who listens and accepts me where I am. If this is also your preference she may be a great fit.
Written on Nov 18, 2024 after therapy with Veronica for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
Really good therapist who understands the issues and is able to be an effective communicator and support in working through the process with kindness and empathy. I would highly recommend
Written on Nov 12, 2024 after therapy with Veronica for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and career difficulties
Veronica has been instrumental in me being able to become a better version of myself.
Written on Oct 22, 2024 after therapy with Veronica for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
Veronica is knowledgeable and kind. She is a great therapist. I’ve had break throughs and learned so much. Grateful I found Veronica as my therapist.
Written on Mar 05, 2023 after therapy with Veronica for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Veronica is very supportive and understanding!
Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Veronica for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and career difficulties
Veronica has been very helpful with walking me through some problems that I have had. I appreciate her knowledge and advice. She is very receptive and easy to open up to.
Written on Mar 20, 2022 after therapy with Veronica for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and sleeping disorders