Sabine Martinez Owner, MA, AMFT, Polyvagal Informed, Somatic Therapist

Hello! I’m Sabine one of two owners of Mind Garden – A Gathering Place and Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My work in the field of wellness and mental health began back in 2013. With a heart for exploration, I’ve traversed the globe, drawing from my experiences back home in the Netherlands, as well as work abroad in Spain, South Africa, Australia, Thailand, and the United States. Along the way, I’ve engaged with diverse populations, spanning children, adolescents, adults, and families, guiding them through challenges such as trauma, addiction, intimate partner violence, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and identity crises.

My educational foundation includes a Master of Arts in Somatic Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, and I hold registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Additionally, I am a Polyvagal Informed Therapist.

For me, therapy is an invitation to explore ourselves deeply—our roots, patterns, needs, and aspirations—while cultivating a profound sense of safety within our bodies and the world around us. In my practice, I strive to foster a space of regulation, acceptance, compassion, and authenticity, empowering individuals to embark on their healing journeys. that is body-centered, trauma-aware, and tailored to each individual’s unique journey.

As Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully said, “Earth will be safe when we feel in us enough safety.”

About Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection. It recognizes that our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are interconnected, and that unresolved emotional experiences can manifest in physical symptoms or discomfort.

In somatic therapy, practitioners help clients become more aware of bodily sensations, movements, and patterns of tension or relaxation. Through various techniques such as breathwork, mindfulness, and movement, clients are guided to explore and release stored tension and trauma held in the body. This process can promote healing, increase resilience, and restore a sense of balance and well-being.

Somatic therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or physical symptoms related to emotional issues. It can also be helpful for anyone seeking to deepen their self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and enhance their overall quality of life.