Meet Christina Martinez | Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR, TF-CBT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from a city in Los Angeles County called Pico Rivera. I always say “it’s near Whittier” because people can relate to that more often. My family has been considered as Mexican American, if we had to check a box; but I was never satisfied with that answer. I did not look like any of the other “Mexicans” around me. My father’s family was very dark skinned with curly hair, and his genes dominated over myself and my two brothers. And I also felt very disconnected from what I saw around me as the “Mexican Culture”. I lived in Pico Rivera, however I grew up in private schools most of my life, so I saw lots of different cities, and social classes. I was around various types of people and career or lifestyles, which I think enhanced my lens as a human, and my ability to understand or connect to others. My curiosity OF life was at an ultimate high when I landed at CSULB for my Bachelor’s degree. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, which opened my eyes to a way of understanding the world that I very much needed after such a small visual of the world in my personal private school experience.

I began working within the community of Adults with Disabilities while I finished my degree, and again my sense of understanding of life- for humans, and individual differences- shifted as I worked with individuals with disabilities that were asking for funding to make their own decisions in life. They were fighting for simple things like what they wanted to buy at the grocery store, or if they wanted to wear a button up or a tshirt. No one had asked them these questions before, so my version of curiosity was valued and I found myself working and growing professionally there for 6 years.

During those 6 years, I found and developed a large curiousity and eventually a business working with Essential Oils and Herbal remedies, or the study of apothecary, called Phoenix Essentials, LLC. The Parents of the children and developing adults with disabilites had their experienced version of Truth about certains things, such as vaccines, processed foods, learning styles, nonverbal communication. And natural remedies, detoxing, plant based foods, often times supported the neurological or developmental needs of their child as they went through life with these “disabilities”

As I began creating and then selling my own remedies and blends, I noticed that my need to be curious and ask more questions often times led me to less sales, but more understanding that there is more to these “ailments” or “sicknesses” that people are experiencing. It is mental. Emotional. Often times VERY Spiritual. And it develops into physical, mental or financial problems. Or wounds. Or traumas.

I decided to go back to school for a Master’s of Arts in Psychology for Marriage and Family Therapy. I do not think people are just “depressed” or “autistic” or “bi polar” but understand that their Unique Character and Personality, Environment, Family Upbringing, Attachment and Relationship Experience(s) can influence and support or inhibit a person in their present state. I also completed training for a specialized modality called EMDR because of my belief and understanding of the Mind Body and Spiritual connection that exists.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Phoenix Essentials, LLC Committed to Wellness and Renewal

My business was named after two things.

After deciding on a name, I saw my dad, and he reminded me of his tattoo of a Phoenix bird rising from the ashes. I knew then that the alignment was meant to be.

The story about the Phoenix, a majestic bird that burned to ash and was reborn again. is quite symbolic of a portion of the philosophy that I have developed over the years in regards to what the healing process could feel like. The idea that a death must occur in order for a more refined, reborn, “changed” person can emerge after they have chosen it is time to heal. Whether physical (diet, exercise) mental (mindset, dis-ease) or spiritual (lack of purpose), there are core beliefs, habits and behaviors, or maybe relationships that will change, or die, in order for a new, healed You can truly stretch and grow.

The cycle of Creation and Destruction. Rebirth.

Currently, Rebirth is the cycle that Phoenix Essentials is experiencing now. I started the company after incorporating different foods, herbs and eventually essential oils into my own life and began documenting the changes that I experienced. My attitude, my thoughts, my appearance, my clumsiness. All these things improved as a result of my changes.

But after creating and selling natural and organic health and beauty remedies for 2 years, it became clear to me that customers were not only buying a “Sweet Dreams Sleep Aide” pillow spray from me, but they were talking to me about what they were going through in LIFE and I began to understand the bigger connection and picture of things. Mind. Body. Spirit.

In 2017, I went back to school for a Master’s of Arts in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy. I chose this because I can work and incorporate multiple people in the therapy room instead of being limited to only working with one individual. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with training to work with Individuals, Groups, Couples, Trauma and those interested in EMDR.

One of my core beliefs has become “Change One, Change the System”. Which is why, if my individual clients are willing, I offer for them to invite a person of conflict, or a significant other, or their imposing friend, into the room in order for myself, as the observer and analyst, to see a greater picture of who the client is.

I have learned the art of listening as I have proceeded along the way. However, with that I have also found my voice! And learned to trust myself- my experience and education as well as my intuition- when it come to feeling there are connections, and ultimately more Self Understanding in between the lines of our perception of life experiences.

What has been difficult is trusting the process! I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in 2010 not having a clue about what “finding your purpose” was. After a few years of Life and failed Love, I found that my calling all along has been to get paid to be an emotional support cheerleader for people. I have been doing it for free for many years- whether cooking for people, making remedies, offering research, or for some literally acting as a therapist/referee in moments.

And I still think this is the hardest aspect of my career choice — knowing that I deserve to get paid great money for creating space and guiding others towards being their Ultimate Best Self. One professor said to our class, “Know your worth when you go out there because you are literally signing up to be someone’s emotional trash can every week”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely offer a home cooked meal, first and foremost! My curry soup, or jackfruit and papas tacos. Authentic connection and some good Virgo love for them.

On the social front, we would fit in a hike. I like the trails in Whittier. Depending on the level we are trying to achieve, there are a few to choose from! And there are a few metaphysical shops in Uptown Whittier to visit, such as

Modern Shaman is a great vegan spot in Uptown Whittier. Their Corn Dog is fire! And Cena Vegan is another spot my family and I visit often. They are located in an old bank, and there’s a brewery and winery there as well as a few old school arcade games.

And lastly, if we’re in a rush, we would definitely be found at Pepe’s currently located in Pico Rivera, CA. But they were bought out by Cane’s so they will be relocating soon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would first like to Shout Out my two grandmothers, Lucille and Angie, who have both crossed over now. Without actual intention, I have pulled from their Spirits and included them in my choice of professional career. Not just about being a Therapist, but HOW I choose to work as a Therapist, including the Mind, Body and Spirit in the therapeutic process. They used to integrate things like affirmations, positive thinking, and manifesting. As well as implement natural foods and remedies, crystals, daily habits, and self care into daily life. I found that the combination of holistic care can truly be healing, and is an ancestral way that generations of Our Elders used in the past to “deal with” things like mental or emotional health.

I would also like to thank God for sticking with me through all the tests of My Faith. I am thankful to have found my breath again.

And My family, and My Sisterhood for their encouragements along the way, as I began integrating these ideas back in 2015 and haven’t wavered yet. Which can be somewhat annoying I’m sure, when I constantly ask “does that have meat/dairy”.

Instagram: phoenix_essentials

Facebook: Phoenix Essentials

Image Credits
Tiny Art Gallery