Susan Martinez, LCSW

Susan Martinez, LCSW Susan Martinez is a Psychotherapist. She is experienced in treating mental health disorders, & fostering holistic well- being.

Her specialties include anxiety, mood disorders & trauma, survivors of narcessitic abuse. Now offering canine assisted therapy! Se Habla Espanol

Susan Martinez is a Psychotherapist licensed by the state of NJ. She is experienced in treating mental health issues, complex trauma and addictions. She specializes in individual and group therapy for adults, couples and adolescents. Susan has focused m

uch of her career on working with women, survivors trauma and immigrant populations. She has worked for several Non- Profits in the state of New Jersey, where her focus has been on mental health, serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Much of her work has been dedicated to serving the Latino community and she is an expert on immigration issues. Susan is mindful of the unique stressors and impact that the migration process can create for immigrants, including: isolation, family, relationship, employment, cultural, identity, integration, and inter-generational issues. Susan is aware of the intersectionality of all of these, and how they impact well-being, mental health, and living a fulfilling life. She has extensive experience in working on U Visas, VAWA Petitions and she works on political asylum cases. Her private practice is in Middlesex, NJ.
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Education:
Susan's qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and teaching certification for grades K-12 from the state of New Jersey. Susan earned her master’s degree from the Rutgers University School of Social Work in New Brunswick, N.J., where she graduated with highest honors and an additional certification from the Rutgers Addiction Counselor Training program. Susan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
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Additional Training:
Susan has studied mediation and holistic healing since 1981 and she is a certified Reiki Master. She is also a certified Yoga Instructor at the advanced 700 hour level. Susan has taught yoga and meditation practices throughout New Jersey and the Tri State area since 2001.
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Speaking Engagements:
A sought-after speaker, Susan facilitates workshops on the following topics; healing from child abuse and trauma, domestic violence, restraining orders, cultural competency, reiki, yoga, meditation, stress reduction, self- care for social works and mental health professionals, and holistic healing. Susan's speaking engagements are suitable for the public, corporate and private sector. Some of the venues where Susan has presented include:
Carrier Clinic, Dwight and Church, Applegate Farms, Easter Seals Corporate, Raritan Valley Community College, Rutgers University, Rider University, Woodbridge Township Schools, Montessori Schools, Somerset County Library System, American Repertory Ballet Theater, and the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women

Canine-assisted therapy is one of the most powerful reminders that healing doesn’t always happen through words alone.In ...
04/21/2026

Canine-assisted therapy is one of the most powerful reminders that healing doesn’t always happen through words alone.

In my work, I’ve seen how the presence of a calm, attuned dog can gently shift something inside a person who has felt stuck, guarded, or overwhelmed. A dog doesn’t analyze or judge—they offer steady companionship, grounding touch, and a kind of emotional safety that can be hard to access in traditional talk therapy alone.

For many clients, especially those working through anxiety, trauma, or attachment wounds, the simple act of sitting with a therapy dog can help regulate the nervous system. Breathing slows. Shoulders drop. Eye contact becomes easier. Sometimes, trust begins there—quietly, without pressure.

Canine-assisted therapy can support:

Emotional regulation and anxiety reduction

Trauma recovery and nervous system calming

Building trust and connection in relationships

Increasing engagement in therapy for those who feel hesitant or shut down

What makes it meaningful is not just the presence of the animal, but the relationship that forms in that space—one that is safe, consistent, and nonjudgmental.

It’s a reminder that healing can be experiential. Sometimes it begins with a paw on your knee and the feeling that you don’t have to face things alone.

If you’re curious about how canine-assisted work might be integrated into therapy, feel free to reach out or ask questions. Call today for a free 15 minute consultation 908-516-3285.
www.SusanMartinez.net

O Hara is wishing everyone a Happy Easter
04/05/2026

O Hara is wishing everyone a Happy Easter

04/05/2026

I got over 10 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

Holiday Wishes and Warm ThoughtsAs the holidays approach, it’s a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the moments that...
04/03/2026

Holiday Wishes and Warm Thoughts

As the holidays approach, it’s a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the moments that truly matter—family, friends, and the simple joys that bring light into our days. This season can also be a gentle reminder to care for ourselves, to rest, and to find gratitude even in the small things. If you are celebrating alone, do something thst brings you joy, or celbrste with your pets. Not everyone has family, so create your own tradiion. Perhaps you would enjoy a beautiful bike ride or a hike. Make meaning that is authentic to you.

From our hearts to yours, we wish you peace, warmth, and joy this holiday season. May your days be filled with laughter, love, and meaningful connections. Here’s to celebrating the season safely, mindfully, and with hope for a bright new year ahead.

Happy Holidays!

With warmth and compassion, Susan and O'Hara.

Wishing You a Joyful and Renewing EasterThis Easter, may your days be filled with hope, renewal, and moments of peace. J...
04/02/2026

Wishing You a Joyful and Renewing Easter

This Easter, may your days be filled with hope, renewal, and moments of peace. Just as spring brings new growth and fresh beginnings, may this season inspire positive changes, self-care, and gentle healing in your life.

From all of us at Central Jersey Psychotherapy LLC, Happy Easter! 🐣💛

Wishing You a Peaceful and Joyful PassoverAs we enter this season of reflection and renewal, I want to extend my heartfe...
04/02/2026

Wishing You a Peaceful and Joyful Passover

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all my clients and community. May your Passover be filled with moments of peace, connection, and hope, and may this season bring new beginnings and gentle growth in your life.

From all of us at Central Jersey Psychotherapy LLC, Chag Sameach!

04/01/2026

This is what we need more of! The video is long but worth it

My Dammit Dolls came today! A new coping tool for my clients. The directions are on the picture. When you are feeling f...
03/31/2026

My Dammit Dolls came today! A new coping tool for my clients. The directions are on the picture. When you are feeling frustrated or angry, you can hold the dolls by the legs, and discharge that energy by whacking the dolls againt the couch, or the wall- and you can let some of out. I love it. Its genious.

Forest Bathing and Mental Health: Reconnecting with Nature to Heal the MindIn a world that moves fast and demands consta...
03/30/2026

Forest Bathing and Mental Health: Reconnecting with Nature to Heal the Mind

In a world that moves fast and demands constant attention, many people find themselves overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected—not only from others, but from themselves. One simple yet powerful practice is gaining renewed attention for its ability to restore balance: forest bathing.

Originally known as Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice developed in the 1980s, forest bathing is not about hiking or exercising. It is about slowing down, engaging the senses, and immersing oneself in the natural environment. It is the intentional act of being present in nature.

What Is Forest Bathing?

Forest bathing invites you to experience the natural world through all five senses. Instead of focusing on reaching a destination, you focus on simply being. You might notice the texture of tree bark, the sound of leaves rustling, the scent of earth after rain, or the way sunlight filters through branches.

This mindful presence is what makes forest bathing so beneficial for mental health.

The Mental Health Benefits

Research increasingly supports what many people intuitively feel: time in nature is deeply healing.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Spending time in natural environments has been shown to lower cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone. Even short periods in a forested setting can calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety.

2. Improves Mood
Nature exposure is linked to decreased symptoms of depression and increased feelings of well-being. The combination of fresh air, natural light, and sensory engagement can elevate mood naturally.

3. Enhances Focus and Clarity
Modern life often leads to mental fatigue. Forest bathing allows the brain to rest and reset, improving concentration and cognitive function. This is especially helpful for those experiencing burnout or attention difficulties.

4. Supports Emotional Regulation
Slowing down in a natural setting creates space to process emotions. Without constant digital distractions, individuals often find it easier to connect with their inner experiences.

5. Strengthens Mind-Body Connection
Forest bathing aligns closely with somatic practices. By tuning into bodily sensations—like breathing, movement, and grounding—you deepen awareness of how emotions live in the body.

Why It Works

Nature provides a unique environment that gently engages attention without overwhelming it. Unlike screens or urban settings, forests offer what psychologists call “soft fascination”—stimuli that hold your attention in a calming, effortless way.

Additionally, trees release compounds called phytoncides, which may have immune-boosting and stress-reducing effects.

How to Practice Forest Bathing

You don’t need a dense forest to begin. A park, nature trail, or even a quiet green space can work.

- Leave your phone on silent or behind
- Walk slowly, without a goal
- Notice your breath
- Engage your senses intentionally
- Sit or lie down and observe your surroundings
- Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment

Even 20–30 minutes can make a meaningful difference.

Integrating Forest Bathing into Therapy

For those in therapy—especially somatic or trauma-informed approaches—forest bathing can be a powerful complement. Nature creates a sense of safety and grounding, which can support emotional processing and regulation.

Incorporating animals, such as in canine-assisted therapy, can deepen this experience further by fostering connection, comfort, and presence.

Final Thoughts

Forest bathing reminds us of something simple yet profound: healing does not always require doing more. Sometimes, it requires doing less—slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with the natural world.

In a culture that often prioritizes productivity over presence, stepping into nature can be an act of quiet resistance—and a return to ourselves. Call Central Jersey Psychotherapy today for a free consultation. 908-516-3285
www.SusanMartinez.net

Hello, my name is Susan and I am a bilingual therapist, and work with clients who may be struggling with stress, anxiet...
03/28/2026

Hello, my name is Susan and I am a bilingual therapist, and work with clients who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. I specialize in treating therapists, and those seeking deep healing in their lives. I offer the only animal assisted therapy program in the area.

​I specialize in helping adults and couples navigate these challenges with compassion, empathy and expertise.

I believe that healing begins the moment you're seen and heard. With many years of experience in treating trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, I create a safe, collaborative space, where you will feel seen, heard and gain tools to move from feeling stuck and frozen, to healing and thriving. Call today for a free consultation, 908-516-3285.

O 'Hara and I are wishing everyone a happy, blessed and abundant 2026.
12/31/2025

O 'Hara and I are wishing everyone a happy, blessed and abundant 2026.

When a Therapy Dog Receives Her First Christmas GiftToday, something quietly meaningful happened in my therapy office.A ...
12/17/2025

When a Therapy Dog Receives Her First Christmas Gift

Today, something quietly meaningful happened in my therapy office.

A client arrived with a Christmas gift for O’Hara. As she handed it to me, she said simply:

“Well, she treats me too and helps me so much.”

The gift was a stuffed squeaky toy—soft, playful, and chosen with care. It was O’Hara’s first Christmas present, and while it may seem like a small moment, it carried profound meaning.

In therapy, healing often happens not only through words, but through felt safety. O’Hara’s presence offers something deeply regulating: nonjudgmental companionship, steadiness, warmth, and attunement. For many clients, she helps soften the nervous system in ways that words alone cannot.

What moved me most was not just the gift itself, but what it represented.

This client was not engaging in projection or fantasy. She was articulating an authentic experience of co-regulation and support. In that moment, she recognized O’Hara as a meaningful part of her healing process—someone who helped her feel calmer, safer, and more grounded.

From an attachment perspective, the act of giving a gift reflects secure relational behavior:

recognition of care received

gratitude

and a desire for reciprocity

The stuffed toy symbolized joy and comfort—an offering that said, “You help take care of me. I want to take care of you too.”

For facility dogs, these moments are especially important. They affirm that the dog is not just tolerated in the therapeutic space, but felt—as a presence that matters. O’Hara remains ethically grounded in her role, guided by structure, boundaries, and handler oversight. Yet within those boundaries, she forms genuine, healing connections.

As her handler, I am deeply mindful of protecting both client welfare and O’Hara’s emotional well-being. Moments like this reassure me that she is not overwhelmed or overextended, but instead is secure, regulated, and thriving in her work.

This first Christmas gift marks a milestone—not just for O’Hara, but for the quiet, relational power of animal-assisted therapy. It is a reminder that healing is relational, embodied, and often communicated without words.

I am grateful to DBL for the training, support, and ethical framework that makes moments like this possible. And I am grateful to O’Hara—for showing up every day with gentleness, presence, and an open heart.

Sometimes, healing looks like a squeaky toy wrapped in gratitude.

Address

719 Route 206
Hillsborough, NJ
08844

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+19085163285

Website

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