Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Renton, WA

Hello my name is Janice Smith, I'm a native of Vicksburg, MS. I been working in this field for the past 20 plus years. I believe clients are the expert in their journeys, and I am here to empower them along their adventure. I work from a strengths perspective with aspects of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. There is so much that happens in life; it's very easy to become overwhelmed! I believe when we slow down and take it one step at a time, we are able to accomplish goals and establish new coping skills. Your journey is special and deserves to be heard. I meet you where you are, and together we can move forward.

I am a compassionate person that truly believes that each individual in this world deserves authentic happiness and inner peace. We all have our own journey of growth, and I feel like I have a unique opportunity to create a safe space to support others in healing from experiences that have challenged their sense of self. Each individual is in charge of his/her/their own growth, and I view therapy as a partnership between myself and my clients throughout each stage of change. Therapy is a process that enables a person to discover self-awareness, to harness self-expression, and explore the capacity to have and hold stronger feelings.

I believe everyone has the right to receive the support and hope that a trusting collaborative partnership between a therapist and a client offers. I look to hold an affirmative and positive space as I work with adult clients of many ages and ethnicities. You may also have additional diverse or complex identities and backgrounds, such as neurodivergence or other disabilities, differing romantic and gender orientations, lgbtqiap+, Asexual/Ace Spec, Poly, or Queer. Everyone identifies in their own unique way and I will work to meet you where you are with what is most important to you.

I help teens and adults individually, and in groups, work through challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, personal growth/balance and life transitions. Rather than seeing you as a diagnosis, I view your mental health on a spectrum of normal behavior; it's often the case you move into imbalance because of overwhelming and difficult circumstances. Within a therapeutic environment that's unique to you, my intention is to support your natural resilience become your potential wellness.

Belen Martinez, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who has extensive experience providing English and Spanish individual, group, and couples psychotherapy to adolescents and adults of all ages. She has worked with individuals from diverse populations and cultures, with a wide range of concerns. Dr. Martinez’ approach to therapy is collaborative, authentic, empathic, active and caring. She integrates empirically driven methods, including dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive -behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and relational frameworks, with a highly personalized approach.

​From early childhood, we are surrounded by expectations - from family, friends, culture, society.  We internalize those expectations and experience their impact on our health, career, finances, relationships. Sometimes it manifests as perfectionism or Imposter Syndrome…sometimes as anxiety, grief, depression and stress.  In the effort to please everyone, we are often left exhausted, defeated, feeling like a failure. So maybe it’s time to rewrite that script imposed upon you…or the one that you imposed upon yourself.

You realize something needs to change. You have tried all you know. Together we come up with a plan that not only meets your needs but also your goals.

I believe therapy should be a safe and non-judgmental space with a healthy mix of feeling your feelings, accountability, education and humor. My approach is to serve as a partner and guide on your journey to explore and sort the helpful vs. unhelpful in your life. Sometimes this journey will be tearful and uncomfortable, and sometimes we will laugh together at my many metaphors. I am most passionate about working with individuals who feel like they are “not good enough,” worry about living up to others’ expectations or struggle sometimes to get out of bed because their sadness is overwhelming.

I work with children, teens, and young adults struggling with body image, eating disorders, self acceptance, building and maintaining strong, meaningful connections, and creating a life worth living. I offer skill building, as well as process oriented sessions. Together we will learn more about the underlying factors contributing to the struggles that you are facing. I will work at a pace that feels comfortable and safe, and also push you to explore parts of yourself that you may be avoiding.

My approach to therapy begins with a commitment to mutual respect. Too often, our younger population is demanded to give respect, without receiving it in return. My practice is built on the understanding that my clients are experts in their own lives, and are humans deserving of the same level of respect that I would expect from them. This is true no matter the age, identity, background, or behaviors of the client I am working with.

As a Bicultural Asian from an immigrant family, I am deeply invested in understanding the complexities of identity development and cultural integration as I work with each client. I am passionate to help BIPOC clients and I am committed to providing culturally sensitive care that considers the unique experiences and challenges that each of my client face. Previously, I worked as an school teacher for over ten years because I loved working with students. Now I am happy as a mental health therapist to further facilitate healing and growth for students' mental health which greatly impacts their learning and gifts.

I believe we are all capable of building a meaningful life if we have the right tools and support. I enjoy working with motivated adults who are seeking to learn effective ways to cope with difficult emotions and stressors. I predominantly support clients with mood and anxiety conditions as well as those who are interested in personal growth and improving their quality of life. Through the use of practical cognitive and behavioral skills, I help clients improve their self-awareness, navigate unwanted thoughts and feelings, change unhelpful behaviors, and make progress toward life goals.

I greatly enjoy working with young and/or emerging adults, working professionals, differently-abled individuals, and any or all intersections of the above. While I specialize in working with the above populations, you do not need to be a member of any of those identities to seek counseling from me. I love working with clients to introduce ways of understanding their problems from a biological standpoint, and to discover effective methods of coping with challenges. When we understand how you experience the perception of a problem in the moment, we can work together to meet your desired outcomes.

My purpose is to provide client-centered care. My philosophy when working with clients are strength-based approaches with an intention of active, reflective listening while empowering my clients to enhance their well-being. I used a combination of techniques including cognitive behavioral, dialectic behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, ACT and etc. I help people identify thought patterns, behaviors and reactions to emotions that interfere with their lives. Whatever your reason for seeking out psychotherapy, I am dedicated to helping you find your way to enhance your mental health and well-being.