Makayla Martin, LISW-CP, LCSW

Makayla Martin is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP) who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She has five years of clinical experience and works with adults facing emotional strain and transitions. Her tone is warm and straightforward, aimed at helping people feel heard and steady while they work through difficult moments.

She focuses on practical steps people can use right away. That can mean learning new ways to notice and manage intense feelings, building routines that support mood, or trying small communication changes that reduce conflict at work or home. Makayla also addresses issues like attachment, loneliness, guilt, and struggles around money or purpose.

Makayla draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to match what a person needs. In sessions she emphasizes skills people can practice between meetings, and she helps set clear goals for progress. Her approach is collaborative and paced to each person’s comfort.

She has experience working with veterans and armed forces issues and supports young adults through life transitions. Makayla holds SC LISW-CP and VA LCSW credentials and practices in Virginia. Her work aims to help people build resilience and clearer next steps when life feels stuck.

If you want to start, be ready to share what feels most urgent and what you hope to change. She helps people plan practical ways forward, one step at a time.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online work

Makayla uses several evidence-based approaches that focus on skills and perspective shifts. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try small behavior changes to improve mood and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches ways to accept difficult thoughts while taking action toward what matters most. Compassion-Focused strategies emphasize reducing self-criticism and building a kinder inner voice, which can help with shame and low self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Makayla works with each person to decide which techniques fit their needs and goals. She checks in regularly and adjusts strategies so the work remains practical and relevant to daily life.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking because they are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Therapists can guide practice between sessions and use digital check-ins to reinforce skills learned in meetings, helping people carry changes into their everyday routines.