Therapist in Lyndhurst, New Jersey Veronica Cruz-Martinez, Therapist

Veronica Cruz-Martinez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in New Jersey with nearly 20 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, children and adults with trauma history, those struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting issues, low socio-economic status and anxiety and depression. She practices with a culturally sensitive approach by making certain that she is both self-aware and current on emerging trends, information, and experiences of the diverse cultures of her clients. Veronica has seen firsthand the difference a caring, empathetic, and attentive person can make in a person’s life and feels honored when that can be her. Veronica has spent half of her career working as a crisis counselor and clinician, seeing clients on a regular basis as well as supporting those in and through a crisis. She is able to think quickly on her feet and can stay calm in high intensity situations. Veronica is able to assist in safety planning with clients and can connect people to supports and resources, such as referrals that fit their current situation or assisting in planning to keep them safe by connecting them to someone whom they feel comfortable with should they be in crisis again. Veronica believes in treating the whole person: mind, body, and soul. She understands and acknowledges the importance of meeting a person where they are and where they can be. Veronica believes in the importance of utilizing the tools we have (or have yet to find) because we all have the power within us to find healing, sometimes we just need some help getting there. Coping skills can help you find these tools as well as strengthen the ones you already have. This can include meditation, exercise, utilizing crystals or essential oils to help heal and calm oneself, and seeking outside supports when needed. Veronica is a firm believer in working within her limits as a clinician and has no problem offering referrals when necessary. Her overall goal is to continue providing support, offering guidance, and making a difference in the lives of others, utilizing her expertise in and passion for, trauma informed care, culturally sensitive treatment, and an open-minded approach. One of Veronica’s hobbies is working on projects at home. She likes to find free items on online posts and repurpose them: sanding, repainting, and decorating. She also enjoys cooking; she believes that when you cook, you should do so with love and intention, which helps the food to taste better so the kitchen is her happy place and where she enjoys being. She also likes to BBQ and hosts cookouts at her home. Family means a lot to her and spending time with them is one of her most favorite things to do. She also has a chill side and loves to just hang out and binge watch shows and movies on streaming sites.