Carroll Martin, LCSW, LCSW-C
Able to serve clients in Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and West Virginia via telehealth
If you’re still not sure from my photo, I’m an Asian-American adoptee therapist. Other things that describe me are “Old Millennial”, social justice advocate, and a mom (dog and human). My fur baby/therapy dog in training, Koro, joins me for in-person and virtual sessions.
But, you’re probably looking at this page to find out if I actually know what what I’m talking about. Can really help you or your child? I have been working with foster and adoptive families since 2016 and have been a trauma therapist since 2013. I’ve been part of an adoptive family my whole life, so I have first hand experience on what it’s like to be part of a transracial family. And, unfortunately, know what it is like to experience trauma.
Becoming a therapist, I had no idea that adoption therapy was a thing. Growing up, I know so many who could have benefited from counselors and therapists who really understood the unique issues come up for foster and adoptive families, including kids adopted at birth. As an adult, these issues change and may affect your family in different ways, or not at all! Not everything is related to adoption, but it’s important to keep it in mind as we work through your tough spots.
I created Blue Ridge Therapy Services as a practice where all people can feel safe and welcome. Too often adoptees and other marginalized folx feel unsafe in spaces that should feel safe (like church or the doctor’s office). Adoptees often feel out of place, weird, or trying to figure out different identities such as race, sexuality, gender, and neurodiversity.
I am a therapist who will be direct and challenge you. I work best with adults and teens who are feeling stuck or just digging their heels in. And, those who know they might need some extra help and talking about it with friends just isn’t cutting it. We can talk about anything together, bring it on!
What else makes me qualified? Good question. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Clinical Supervisor in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and South Carolina. I am an adoption competent therapist trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Children with Sexual Behavior Problems (CSBP), and Training in Adoption Competency (TAC) with the Center for Adoption Support and Education in 2017. I completed training for Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR in 2020. I’ve worked in school settings supporting families with special education services and outpatient clinics. Prior to starting my private practice, I worked for five years with the Center for Adoption Support and Education as a therapist, trainer, and clinical supervisor in the DC area.
I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Elon University in North Carolina.
