Background and Experience
Meet Martha
Martha is a warm and empathetic Chartered Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS). She is fully accredited as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and is a accredited Consultant in Training (CIT) for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with EMDR-Europe.
Professional Roles:
- Founder and director of Ferrito Training and Consultancy and Mindspace Therapy-Studio.
- Psychologist in the NHS, specializing in severe and complex trauma.
- Clinical specialist with Time to Talk, supporting the mental health of young people aged 11-25 in West Berkshire.
Diverse Experience: Martha has extensive experience working with a wide range of psychological problems, including severe mental health issues. Her background includes general practice in mental health care (NHS, private practice, and charities) and hospital settings. She also teaches and supervises therapists and has presented at various conferences both in the UK and internationally.
Martha’s Approach
Martha’s therapy style is built on a foundation of warmth, understanding, and deep compassion. She is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. Martha’s finely tuned attunement to the emotional needs of her clients allows her to build strong, trusting relationships, fostering a space for healing and growth.
Empathetic and Attuned: Martha’s empathetic nature and keen attunement enable her to connect with clients on a profound level. She listens with genuine care and responds with thoughtful insights, ensuring that each client feels valued and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
Understanding of Suffering and Growth: Martha brings a wealth of experience in working with individuals facing significant psychological challenges, particularly those related to early childhood trauma. She understands how such experiences can deeply impact self-esteem and overall well-being. Her compassionate approach helps clients navigate their struggles with a sense of hope and resilience. Martha also emphasizes the importance of growth after suffering, guiding clients to find strength and resilience through their healing process, and fostering personal development and empowerment.
Attachment Theory: Martha's therapeutic practice is theoretically grounded in attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of early relationships in shaping an individual's emotional development and well-being. She recognizes how attachment patterns formed in childhood can influence an individual's behavior and relationships throughout life. By understanding and addressing these patterns, Martha helps clients develop healthier, more secure attachments, promoting emotional healing and growth.
Collaborative and Goal-Oriented: Martha believes in a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to therapy. She works closely with each client to tailor the therapy to their unique needs and goals. This personalized method ensures that clients are actively involved in their healing process and feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
Specialized Techniques: Specializing in early childhood trauma, Martha also supports clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. She predominantly uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), but she is also skilled in integrating other therapeutic methods such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and third-wave therapies when needed. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and uses this model when needed.
Creating a Safe and Trusting Environment: Martha’s therapeutic style emphasizes creating a safe and trusting environment where clients can freely express their thoughts and emotions. She approaches each session with empathy and patience, making sure that clients feel comfortable and understood.
Continuous Learning: Martha is committed to ongoing learning. Her doctoral research focuses on growth and resilience following trauma, enhancing her therapeutic practice. By staying current with the latest research, Martha ensures that her therapeutic approach is informed and effective. Her dedication to ongoing learning and professional development is reflected in her extensive training and numerous publications.
Main Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Psychology (PhD), University of Portsmouth
- MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Buckinghamshire New University
- MSc in Psychological Research Methods, University of Surrey
- EMDR Practitioner Full Training and accredited as a consultant in training
- Post-graduate Certificate in Advanced Counselling Skills, City University London
- Certificate in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), Anna Freud Centre
- Bachelor of Psychology with Honours, University of Malta
