Hello, I’m Martha Chica,
A Trauma Therapist in Owings Mills, MD.
Starting therapy can feel difficult, even when you know you want help. Opening up about personal experiences takes courage, and it can feel especially overwhelming when anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or constant overthinking begin to disrupt your sleep, daily routines, or sense of peace. You might feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt, avoidance, or uncertainty about whether therapy can really help. These feelings are very common when beginning therapy — and you’re not alone. With the right support, many people begin to find clarity, relief, and a path toward a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and worth living.
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
I know it can feel vulnerable to look into therapy. I’m here to help make this experience as easy as I can for you.
Many people I work with have learned to push through, minimize their pain, or tell themselves they should be “over it by now.” But when stress, anxiety, or old wounds remain unaddressed, they often show up in the body, emotions, and relationships, not because you’re weak, but because your nervous system has been trying to protect you.
In therapy, you can take things at your own pace, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and begin to feel more grounded and connected. This work is not about quick fixes or learning to “manage” your feelings. It’s about understanding what keeps you stuck and helping you feel steady enough to make real, lasting changes in yourself and in your relationships.You don’t need to have the right words or a clear goal before starting. We can begin exactly where you are.Long-term Healing for Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationship Issues.
Sessions with me focus on getting to the root of what you’re experiencing so we can move beyond just managing today’s stress and toward deeper understanding, healing, and lasting change. I’m dedicated to supporting people who feel broken, disconnected, or overwhelmed, offering a space where you can be understood without judgment. Together, we’ll look at you as a whole person- emotional, mental, physical, and relational — while building insight, healthier patterns, and stronger connections in your everyday life.
What it’s like to work with me
My approach is collaborative and fluid. I weave in the different approaches into conversation-style sessions based on what is the best fit for your goals and needs. I use a trauma framework. This allows me to guide you to dive deep into the root of the problem to gain a better understanding of yourself. You will then fill your toolbox with coping skills to help you through your healing process.
One of the approaches I use is Brainspotting. This approach helps access and process experiences that are often held deeper in the brain, where stress, anxiety, and emotional reactions can persist even when we understand them logically. This approach supports the nervous system in processing unresolved experiences that can impact anxiety, emotional well-being, and relationship patterns. I use this approach because it can be a gentle way to work through what feels stuck while staying grounded and supported throughout the process.
My Experience
I have experience working in an inpatient setting specifically for people with childhood trauma and trauma-related disorders. The patients were in crisis and felt like their lives were out of control. This place leads me to do research and further my education in helping people with childhood trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues in teens and adults. With 7 years of experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, I will continue to help people heal and build their confidence to feel empowered in their lives.
People who work with me describe me as warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I will create an environment where you feel validated and open to growth. I will challenge you to be your best self and will sit with you in the painfully uncomfortable feelings.
Here you will be seen, heard, and most importantly, understood.
My Specialities
Teens
Brain Spotting
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Not at all. Therapy is collaborative, and you decide what feels comfortable to discuss and when.
-
You don’t need the “right words.” Part of therapy is helping you explore and make sense of your experiences together. It involves helping you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and patterns in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
-
Yes. Every therapeutic relationship is different, and sometimes a new approach or connection can make the process feel more helpful.
-
Being open to the process, showing up consistently, and allowing yourself curiosity and self-compassion can make a meaningful difference.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
I’m committed to ongoing education & training to best support you.
Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology
Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional I
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II
Training in Internal Family System
Training in Brain Spotting.
Where does the practice’s name come from?
Many of the things that happen to us in childhood we carry to adulthood. Whether it is good or bad. When something painful happens in childhood it becomes a wound. Just like when you get a wound on your leg, you have to take care of it. Yes, you can still walk but having this wound makes your walk much much harder. Your wounds deserve attention and care. The name Healing Wounds represents the acknowledgment of how painful these wounds are. Here you will learn compassion and how to take care of yourself.