● National Board Certified Counselor
Martha Van Dam is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. She earned a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Troy University.
She has been inducted into the National Honor Society and Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Emerald Coast Mental Health Counselors Association. Martha is certified by American Association of Christian Counselors as a Family Mediator. She has training as a Prepare Enrich (pre-marital and marital) Facilitator and through Military Ministry in Care & Counsel for Combat Trauma.
Martha works with older adolescents and adults. She has experience in treating PTSD, OCD, Co-Dependency, issues resulting from abuse, marital affairs, divorce, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and with pre-marital and couple counseling.
Martha currently lives in Niceville with her banker-by-day and musician-by-night husband and their two cats, Satchmo and Ella. Her family has happily grown to include four handsome sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, a lovely girlfriend and two perfect grandsons, all in the local area. She begrudgingly admits to a tiny amount of bias and humbly and gratefully realizes that she has been blessed beyond measure.
Many times in life we find ourselves in painful places we never dreamed we’d be. As an adult woman with three children, ages 1, 7 and 9, I found myself in one of those places. With good counsel, I was able to not only survive, but thrive and, over time was able to heal and see beyond the pain of the past to enjoy the beauty of the present and look forward to the wonder of the future. It’s been nearly 20 years, but I still remember what it felt like to walk into the counselor’s office on that first day. Now, when I look back, I know that was a turning point in my life. During that time I discovered how life-changing good counseling could be and developed a desire to help others in the same way. I went back to college, completed two degrees and now, am in the position of being able to help you find healing, peace, and empowerment in the
situation that is causing you pain. I have worked with individuals with a variety of issues including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD and other anxiety issues, Depression and other mood disorders, grief and various addictions. Currently, a significant part of my practice is with individuals dealing with trauma caused by combat experiences as well as the pain caused by extra-marital affairs, heartbreak, and abuse. It is intensely important to me to provide you with a safe and comfortable place to deal with the circumstances you are facing and to help you find healing. You will not find judgment. You will find compassion coupled with competent, experienced guidance. Life inevitably brings some pain. I would be honored to help you find healing and triumph through yours.