Derrick Martin

Derrick is an independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a state supervisor designation (LPCC-S), licensed in Ohio by the Ohio Counseling, Social Worker, and Marriage Family Therapist Board (License No. E2001724-SUPV). His approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, insight, and dedication, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each therapeutic encounter.

As a certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, he specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly effective therapy for processing trauma and promoting healing. His licensure and state supervisor designation underscore his commitment to excellence in mental health care.

His therapeutic framework is grounded in a trauma informed, person centered approach. He strives to create a safe, non judgmental space where patients feel empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly, fostering resilience and strength as they navigate life’s challenges.

His passion lies in supporting individuals and couples facing overwhelming life experiences, crises, and trauma. Specializing in working with first responders, military personnel, and couples, he incorporates trauma informed care and interpersonal neurobiology to guide clients toward healing and growth.

In addition to EMDR therapy, he is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). He draws from these evidence based modalities to create tailored treatment plans that address each client’s unique needs and goals.

As an active member of the recovery community and a supportive friend of Bill W., he deeply understands the complexities of addiction and recovery. He offers guidance, support, and encouragement to first responders as they navigate the challenges of sobriety.

Before becoming a psychotherapist, he began his career in public safety straight out of high school. Starting as an EMT Basic, he quickly advanced to EMT Paramedic, and later earned Professional Firefighter I and II certifications. He has held various roles within the fire service, including EMS Coordinator, Captain, HAZ MAT Level A Technician, Advanced Arson Investigator, and Fire and Safety Inspector. His passion for high stakes situations eventually led him to transition into law enforcement, where he earned his Ohio PEACE officers certification and commission and worked as a police officer.

For over 12 years, he proudly served the citizens of Ohio. However, an on duty injury ended his public safety career, leading to one of the darkest periods of his life. Seeking psychotherapy during this time, he was diagnosed with Complex PTSD and underwent EMDR therapy, an experience that saved his life. The challenges he faced as a patient instilled within him a deep commitment to improving care for first responders and other trauma survivors.

Today, he is devoted to supporting first responders dealing with life’s most overwhelming experiences, utilizing EMDR therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, both grounded in interpersonal neurobiology and delivered through a trauma informed lens. His connection to the recovery community and first responder community continues to provide him with strength and solace as he helps others on their journey to healing. Derrick has helped countless first responders, military, and veterans overcome their struggles with traumatic experiences. His experiences in public safety, academia, and now as a trauma therapist have helped guide him in working with others who struggle with the things they have endured walking the thin blue line and thin red line. Through years of clinical practice, he has worked extensively with trauma survivors navigating PTSD, complex trauma, moral injury, grief, and cumulative stress exposure. He understands how repeated critical incidents, shift work, and the culture of service can quietly take a toll on the mind and body. His work focuses on helping clients process what happened, reduce the weight of those memories, and reconnect with a steady sense of safety and control. He brings both professional training and lived experience into the therapy room, offering care that is grounded, practical, and deeply informed by the realities first responders and service members face every day.

• Ohio CSWMFT Board
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor (License E.2001724 – SUPV)

• Certified EMDR Therapist
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
• Certified Neuro-Psychotherapist
• Certified Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Therapist

Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts – Religion & Counseling

Liberty University
Master of Divinity – Chaplaincy

Ashland University
Master of Arts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
• Ohio Counseling Association
• Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary