I’ve been a therapist for more than 25 years, and one thing I know for certain is that people rarely fit neatly into boxes—and I don’t believe therapy should try to put them there.
I work with adults and young adults navigating trauma, grief, relationships, identity, major life transitions, and the complicated experience of simply trying to be yourself in a world that often has strong opinions about who you should be. I have a particular passion for working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, including transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-expansive clients. Your identity is not something you will need to explain, defend, minimize, or educate me about in order to receive support.
My therapy style is warm, straightforward, curious, and very human. I’m not the therapist who will stare at you silently for 45 minutes while taking mysterious notes. I will listen, ask questions, challenge you when it might help, celebrate your growth, and occasionally bring humor into the room because sometimes healing and laughter belong in the same conversation.
I believe therapy can be a place to take off the armor. You can bring the messy parts, the contradictions, the anger, the humor, the uncertainty, and the parts of yourself you may have learned to make smaller for other people.
You don't have to become a different person to heal. Sometimes the work is learning how to live more freely and confidently as the person you already are.
Additional areas of focus: BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Domestic violence, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Immigration issues, Life purpose, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Women's issues, Young adult issues
IL LCSW 149014784
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Anuja 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.
Dr. Martinez has been amazing! She is so understanding, compassionate, and easy to talk to, which has made it much easier for me to open up. Even after just a couple of sessions, I can already feel myself making progress. I’m so grateful to have found someone who makes me feel comfortable, heard, and supported. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a therapist!
Written on Oct 16, 2026 after therapy with Anuja for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, and adhd