Martha Espin, a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma, attachment, and emotional regulation, has dedicated her career to helping women navigate the emotional challenges stemming from childhood trauma and disorganized attachment. With years of experience in the field, she provides a trauma-informed approach to therapy that empowers individuals to understand and heal the deep emotional wounds that impact their relationships.
Martha’s work focuses on helping women—especially those in their 30s—recognize the patterns in their relationships driven by anxious attachment, people-pleasing, and fear of abandonment. These patterns are often rooted in early-life experiences and can create lasting challenges in adult relationships. By addressing these issues, Martha guides her clients in building healthier relationships with themselves and others, based on emotional safety and self-regulation.
According to Martha, “Anxious attachment is a survival response, not a flaw.” This concept is grounded in attachment theory, which has been widely studied in psychology. Attachment theory explains that early relationships with caregivers shape how individuals relate to others later in life. In this context, anxious attachment arises when early relationships fail to provide consistent emotional support, leading to a heightened sensitivity to rejection or abandonment in adulthood.
Martha’s approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), nervous system regulation, and other trauma-informed techniques. DBT is particularly effective in helping individuals manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships, especially for those who struggle with anxiety or emotional dysregulation. Research has shown that DBT can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional instability, making it an essential tool in Martha’s therapeutic toolkit.
Martha’s clinical work is also informed by her professional expertise in trauma and emotional regulation. While her personal journey as a trauma survivor adds depth to her understanding of the emotional challenges faced by others, the focus of her work is on providing scientifically supported methods that can lead to tangible change for her clients. “Healing is not about becoming someone new; it’s about reconnecting with your authentic self,” she explains. This statement aligns with a more holistic approach to therapy that emphasizes self-awareness and empowerment.
Martha’s clinical expertise extends beyond individual therapy sessions. She also offers group mentoring experiences and leads EmpowHer – The Retreat, a women’s retreat in Bali designed to provide a transformative space for healing. At these retreats, participants can connect with others who are on a similar healing journey, fostering a sense of community and support. Retreats like these draw on the therapeutic benefits of group work and shared experiences, which have been shown to enhance the healing process.
Additionally, Martha offers online therapy sessions and resources, such as a free mini-course, which blend psychology, neuroscience, and grounding practices to support women in healing. These resources aim to educate and empower women, helping them to better understand their attachment patterns and develop the skills needed to regulate their emotions and set healthy boundaries.
For those interested in a deeper understanding of Martha’s work, a sneak peek into EmpowHer – The Retreat can be viewed in the following video: A Sneak Peek Into The Retreat.
Martha’s work has received positive feedback from many of her clients. One client, Marielle Kemna, shared, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Martha both in group settings and one-on-one, and I can’t recommend her enough. Her group facilitation is truly special—she creates a safe, welcoming, and deeply supportive space where everyone feels seen and heard.” Another client, KTU, stated, “Compassionate, non-judgmental, encouraging, patient, and a great sense of humour. Martha has been a lifeline when I was lost. I would recommend her to anyone.”
Tatiana T. M. S. also expressed her gratitude, saying, “With Martha’s help, I’ve come to understand that the most painful moments are temporary. She gives me strength, allowing me to reflect when I’m most lost.”
Martha’s approach to therapy stands out because it emphasizes deep, root-level transformation rather than just symptom management. She helps women uncover the origins of their relationship patterns and emotional challenges and supports them in developing the tools necessary for long-term healing. Her compassionate approach offers more than just therapeutic intervention; it provides a path to emotional safety, self-awareness, and personal empowerment.
For more information on Martha Espin’s services and resources, visit her website at EmpowHer Retreat or follow her on Instagram. To read reviews from her clients, visit her Google profile.
