About Kerry

A Long, Winding Journey Of Self-Discovery Led Me To Become A Therapist

Being a therapist is a calling more than a career. In my process of healing past trauma and growing into my most authentic self, I had the privilege of working with several amazing therapists who gave me more compassion and guidance than I could ever imagine. I wanted to pay it forward and do the same for others, supporting them on their journey of self-discovery.

My road to becoming a therapist was a long and winding one. I walked through seasons of loss, shame, depression, anxiety, and codependency. I left an abusive relationship and survived a physically and emotionally abusive childhood home. I have experienced body shaming, weight stigmatization, and negative self-image. I had to work through disordered beliefs about food and health to find body acceptance. All of these experiences allow me to relate to clients on a deeper level and understand the traumas they face.

I Am Here To Laugh With You, Cry With You, And Be Your Loudest Cheerleader

I believe in our inherent ability to grow, evolve, and overcome. I strive to show up authentically with all my clients and use humor, analogies, Disney references, and whatever is appropriate and effective in helping them. Above all, I am not a therapist that just sits there and nods—I seek to mirror the energy of my clients and empower them to be themselves without any reservations.

In sessions with you, I will be your loudest cheerleader and also an honest reality check. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I know the work of healing is deep, challenging, and sometimes scary, but I am on this journey with you. I will hold out hope for you until you are ready to embrace that hope for yourself.

My Approach To Therapy Is Deeply Spiritual And Rooted In IFS

I practice from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, which acknowledges the reality and power of our complex and multifaceted nature. IFS sees the self as made up of many different parts, some of which cling to outdated or less-than-hopeful coping strategies. For instance, one part of you may shy away from new relationships because of past hurt; another part may rely on relationships for a sense of safety or validation. As a therapist, I want to help you find balance between all of your parts, leading to a greater sense of emotional harmony.

As a Christian counselor, spirituality is deeply important to me. I would love to incorporate your faith—no matter what it is—into therapy as much as you want me to. After all, I believe that you are the expert on your own life. Whether it comes to your emotional wellbeing or your spiritual health, I am simply here to walk with you and help you find the answers within you.

Who I Am Outside Of Therapy

At the moment, I am a proud cat mom who also longs for dogs, squirrels, and hedgehogs of my own. I am an avid dancer, having competed in ballroom dancing and Latin dancing as an amateur. I love to sing in the car and go to comedy shows. Additionally, I am a Disney fanatic (although I can acknowledge that, yes, they often do perpetuate unhelpful myths and stereotypes).

In addition to my work in therapy, I spent over a year in a residential program helping people recover from eating disorders. Having wrestled with disordered eating myself, I believe that finding peace with food requires a countercultural revolution inside of ourselves.

Between my experience as a therapist and my journey of healing from trauma and abuse, I am confident that I can provide the warmth, compassion, and understanding that you long for. I am here to share in your joys, walk with you in your sorrows, and help you get in touch with your beautiful and authentic self.

Kerry Martinelli is a licensed therapist at The Growing Mind in Tustin, California. She has a master’s degree in marriage & family therapy from Hope International University. In addition to specializing in Internal Family Systems, she is trained in Brainspotting and draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy, and experiential therapy.