Catarina Martins

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is more painful as staying stuck where you do not belong.”

I’m Catarina, an intern therapist with Counselling & Co. I am genuinely excited to join you on your journey towards healing, health and wellness. My passion for helping and supporting others has been a driving force in my life from a young age, and it is what has led me to this role. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with you. I can’t wait to support you in uncovering the inner resources you possess and harnessing them to help you navigate through life’s difficult moments. Together, we will work towards your goals, ensuring you are never alone through your therapeutic journey.

If you are a teen or young adult, I especially enjoy working with you as you navigate the challenges and changes of this important time in your life. These years are often filled with growth, self-discovery, and opportunities to overcome obstacles, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're adjusting to new responsibilities, exploring your identity, dealing with school stress or working through relationships, my goal is to provide a safe and understanding space where you feel valued, heard, and equipped to thrive.

I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals and couples experiencing difficult relational dynamics, including complicated breakups. I know this can be a time of profound change and emotional intensity. If you are finding it hard to get through the days, I want you to know that its ok to not be ok. I believe in the importance of providing compassionate, non-judgmental care to those navigating this difficult relational phase and to normalize and destigmatize these struggles. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic space where you can explore your fears and worries, work through trauma, improve your mental health, and discover your inner strength and empowerment.

Another area of my clinical focus is working with those struggling with addiction and/or trauma. I understand the complex intertwined nature of addiction and trauma, and I am dedicated to providing integrative care that addresses both. My approach combines evidence-based therapies with a profound respect for your unique journey, aiming to foster your resilience and lasting recovery. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can compassionately revisit your past, navigate your present challenges, and build a future that you feel proud to step into.

Why Work With Me

I will bring an unwavering commitment to providing you with personalized, compassionate therapeutic care. When working with me, you can expect to be met with a lot of warmth and kindness. Its sort of my superpower. Together we can:

• Explore the challenges of adolescence and emerging adulthood

• Focus on getting to know the depths of your emotional world, what makes you feel angry or sad, and what brings you great joy.

• Create experiences of truly feeling seen and heard

• Identify and interpret your cycle of addiction, and what recovery means to you

• Carve out a meaningful path forward that has you feeling aligned in your values and beliefs

• Confront your pain points can be a bit daunting, but please know that I will be with you every step of the way

• Clarify what’s important to you and work towards finding more fulfillment and peace

• Identify and celebrate your triumphant moments, injecting more self-compassion into your day to day life

• Increase your coping mechanisms and grounding techniques

• Take a whole-person approach to therapy, looking at all of the unique aspects of your identity and what makes you you!

Professional Background

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto with a double Major in Criminal Legal Studies and Sociology. 

Things I bet you didn't know about me:

• One of my favourite pastimes is figure skating! Being on the ice helps me clear my mind and be present. 

• I love to travel and explore new cultures and foods. 

• You can always find me with a book in my hand, reading brings me joy.