Frances Martinez, LCSW, LAC

Education

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) in the state of Colorado, credentialed as of 2023. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration in 2019, following a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and sociology from Weber State University in 2013. I have diverse clinical experience across crisis services working in inpatient psychiatric units for adults, adolescents and children. The past 3 of my 10-year career, I have worked extensively in community mental health, working with and supporting adults from all walks of life with mental health and substance use struggles via outpatient therapy. I have a particular passion for working with older adolescents and young adults navigating transitional periods, identity development, self-esteem challenges, mood regulation, and the aftermath of trauma and/or chronic stress.

Current Roles 

At the Counseling Center, I provide a range of services, including initial consultations, outreach, and individual therapy sessions. I hope to offer group therapy in the future. My therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered and trauma-informed care, while also being eclectic in nature. This means I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of students and clients, ensuring a holistic and flexible approach to treatment.

Therapeutic Approaches

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the person-in-environment framework, recognizing that individual struggles do not occur in isolation. Our mental health is deeply influenced by our surroundings—family, relationships, communities, institutions, and broader societal systems. Often, what we identify as personal challenges are in fact understandable responses to systemic failures that perpetuate marginalization and injustice.

At the same time, my therapeutic approach is also rooted in helping individuals recognize and harness their innate strengths and internal resources as they move toward healing and growth despite the challenges and outside forces. I integrate a variety of trauma-informed and trauma-focused modalities into my work, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

As a social worker and professional within the mental health world, I recognize that my field has perpetuated oppression of marginalized groups. I strive to hold myself accountable and challenge the injustices that perpetuate this marginalization and support the empowerment of these communities.

Clinical Interests

• EMDR (time-limited) resourcing
• Skill building around PTSD/trauma symptom
• Interpersonal/Relational Concerns
• Internal family systems
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Boundary work
• Effective coping & self-care
• Self-advocacy and assertiveness
• Transitional periods and identity

About Me

I am deeply passionate about my career and I draw upon my personal journey of mental health healing and familial experiences. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy nurturing my love for the arts through painting, collage, and mixed media art. My creativity extends to my lifestyle, where I find inspiration in music, attending alternative, indie, and punk shows to keep my spirit energized. In addition to being a proud pet parent to both my dog Beans, and cat Leonard, I live in a jungle of houseplants. I thrive in environments that connect me to nature, and I find peace in all things related to water and swimming.