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LCSW

Martha Ayala-Tannis, LCSW

  • Experience25 years
  • LocationConnecticut
  • Focus areasRelationship, Family, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Martha

Martha Ayala-Tannis brings 25 years of experience in mental health to her work as an LCSW in Connecticut.

Background and approach

She entered the field in 1997 and has developed a broad skill set across several therapeutic orientations, drawing on those methods to address relationship challenges, family concerns, trauma and abuse, parenting struggles, and major life transitions. Martha offers Christian counseling as an option and approaches each person with respect for their individual values and goals.

Her style is collaborative and client-centered, blending practical strategies from cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies with depth-oriented perspectives from psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems ideas. She uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques when helpful to support change and build coping skills.

Martha aims to tailor sessions to each client’s needs and to learn alongside them as they work toward clearer priorities and healthier routines.

Integrating therapeutic models for online care

Internal Family Systems (IFS) invites clients to explore inner parts and their roles, helping people understand how different internal voices influence feelings and behavior; this approach can be useful for unpacking trauma responses and internal conflict. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist offers empathy and unconditional positive regard to foster client growth and self-directed change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and developing concrete coping skills to alter emotional and behavioral responses, which often helps with anxiety, mood changes, and problem solving.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist and client will evaluate goals, preferences, and practical needs together to decide which methods to emphasize and when to adapt the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to support flexible scheduling and ongoing work between sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to continue consistent care when in-person meetings are difficult, while allowing licensed professionals to use the same therapeutic techniques across different communication styles.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Martha address in therapy?
Martha works with relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and coping with life changes. These areas are central to her practice and inform how she structures sessions.
What is Martha's therapeutic approach and style?
Her work is collaborative and client-centered, integrating practical skills and reflective work from several approaches. She combines evidence-based techniques with relational exploration to meet individual goals.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
She has been practicing in the mental health field since 1997, bringing 25 years of experience to her clinical work. That span includes training across multiple therapeutic models.
What credentials and location should clients know about?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with NY LCSW 070075 and CT LCSW 007333, and she practices from Connecticut.
Does she offer services in languages other than English or accept international clients?
Sessions are conducted in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats does Martha provide for online work?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on scheduling and preference. Multiple formats are available to fit different needs.
How are fees and payments handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Interested clients should select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Connecticut, New York

Languages

English