Great to meet you!
Hi, I’m Suzanne. I have 22 years of experience as a therapist. I have a MA (Master of Arts) at Phillips Graduate Institute, with other work completed at Capella University. I am a LMFT (Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist) in Illinois.
I approach this work with intention and respect. When you sit across from me—even virtually—you have my full attention. My style is direct, honest, and grounded. I won’t overreact, and I won’t minimize your experience. I believe in your capacity to grow, and at times I will challenge you—with care and purpose—to help you move forward.
You can expect steadiness, discretion, and a focus on meaningful change, not just endless processing. Therapy is an investment of your time, energy, and trust, and I take that seriously. My goal is to support you in making real, lasting progress with clarity and confidence. My approach is strength-based, direct, and grounded in action. I focus on what’s working—not just what’s hurting—while helping you recognize patterns, personal responsibility, and how fear or old roles may be shaping your choices. I value honesty in the room. Therapy with me is active and engaged, not passive. Together, we name what’s real, build on your strengths, and move toward decisions that align with your values rather than avoidance.
In our first session, you can expect a focused, attentive presence. I listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions to understand what brings you to therapy and what you’d like to change. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and begin shaping a direction that feels grounded, practical, and aligned with what matters most to you.
Additional areas of focus: Coping with addictions, LGBTQ+ related issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
IL LMFT 166000614
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Suzanne 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.
She is excellent!
Written on Mar 10, 2026 after therapy with Suzanne for 5 years and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues
Suzanne has been absolutely amazing to work with. She has a way of listening to you and really getting to the root of your concerns, problems, or however you are feeling that feels like she's been talking to you for years. She gets it and she gets you. She creates a safe space to be vulnerable and where your emotions are supported and listened to with care. She genuinely cares about you as a person and wants nothing more than you see you succeed in any way. I have been working with Suzanne for almost a year and she truly has changed my life in so many ways from my mental standpoint, to who I look at myself, to how I can be a better person for myself and others.
Written on Jan 02, 2026 after therapy with Suzanne for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Appreciate Suzanne so much! She has helped me with so many different situations and given as much attention, information, and support. During our appointments and outside of them as well she is very attentive.
Written on Oct 13, 2025 after therapy with Suzanne for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Amazing and highly recommend to cut through the fog and get to the truth and proper direction.
Written on Jul 15, 2025 after therapy with Suzanne for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Suzanne has been an amazing help in my growth journey. She has helped me to better understand my situation and ways to grow. I would recommend her to anyone in need.
Written on Apr 07, 2025 after therapy with Suzanne for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Suzanne is experienced and will be able to help you! I am so glad I got matched with her. I’m so grateful and excited for more sessions
Written on Mar 28, 2025 after therapy with Suzanne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts