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MA Portrait of Martha Ayala-Tannis

Martha Ayala-Tannis

Experienced LCSW blending practical skills and empathy

LCSW Connecticut

Experience
25 years in practice
Focus areas
Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Martha

About Martha

Martha Ayala-Tannis brings 25 years of experience in mental health to her practice as an LCSW. She began working in the field in 1997 and has trained in several therapeutic approaches, which she weaves together to meet each person's unique needs.

Background and approach

Christian counseling is available for those who prefer that perspective. Martha's work focuses on relationship concerns, family matters, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and coping with life changes.

She draws from client-centered methods to create a respectful, collaborative environment and uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients develop practical skills for managing emotions and behavior. Motivational interviewing and psychodynamic ideas also inform her understanding of motivation and deeper life patterns.

Based in Connecticut, Martha conducts sessions in English and offers a range of online formats. Her approach emphasizes listening, learning from clients' experiences, and tailoring interventions to individual goals and circumstances.

Integrating evidence-informed approaches in online care

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and creating a respectful therapeutic relationship, helping people explore their priorities and feel heard. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns, then practicing concrete strategies to reduce distress and change behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can support people facing intense emotions or relationship challenges.

Selecting the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each client to clarify goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, adapting methods over time so care aligns with changing needs and priorities.

Online therapy can make participation more flexible by offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options allow clients to choose formats that fit their schedules and communication styles, making it easier to maintain continuity of care and practice skills between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with relationship issues, family dynamics, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and coping with life changes.
Which therapeutic style will I experience?
Her style is collaborative and client-centered, often incorporating cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy techniques to teach practical skills and support emotional regulation.
How long has she practiced?
Martha has worked in the mental health field since 1997, bringing 25 years of professional experience to her clinical work.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in New York and Connecticut with license numbers NY LCSW 070075 and CT LCSW 007333, and she practices from Connecticut.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in beginning therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on 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