The new therapist at The Center for Counseling & Consultation brings a couple of specialties to her new position that allow the non-profit agency to accommodate even more families.
Karla Martinez, a longtime Great Bend resident, focuses on children and young adults, ages 4-24, while also caring for all Spanish-speaking clients.
“I just have a soft spot for our youth,” Martinez said. “I have a strong belief that if they can find one person to connect with, we can change who they become as an adult. This is especially true if we catch them early.”
For example, she noted, when a 4-year-old child participates in play therapy, “we can observe how they engage with their environment and help them build self-confidence.
“If they can build a relationship with me – a complete stranger – they can connect with people outside of a therapy session as well.”
Martinez treats conditions such as depression, anxiety, anger and defiance.
Parents are encouraged to take notice when a young person is distracted from their surroundings because of electronic devices and social media.
“This could result in a lack of relationship-building and not connecting with others,” Martinez said. “Or a parent could notice that a child is just sad. Parents know when their kids need help.
“I encourage them to take the first step to seeking professional guidance. The same goes for young adults. That first step can lead to new behaviors and habits. If you wait too long, it is more difficult.”
Martinez compared therapy to the oil change in a car. Without the oil, the car can break down.
“The same with therapy, which also is maintenance,” she commented. “You might need to talk with someone weekly or maybe just once a month to touch base.”
The therapist said she was attracted to The Center because it is an established agency with a good reputation for the services it offers.
“They made it easy for me to want to join this professional team,” Martinez said. “With my Spanish background and experience with kids, maybe I can help bridge a few gaps.”
Martinez earned her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2010 at Fort Hays State University and master’s in social work in 2019 at The University of Kansas. She also earned an associate’s degree in Spanish in 2010 at FHSU.
Her professional background includes: Great Bend High School Attendance Coordinator/Behavioral Health Interventionist; Social Worker Specialist at the Kansas Department for Children and Families in Great Bend; and Para-professional at Washington Elementary in Hays.
Martinez has collaborated with several school districts in The Center’s four-county service area.
She was also an Americorp member, working at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care in Great Bend; her focus was lowering obesity in children.
Julie Kramp, The Center’s executive director, said “Karla is a very enthusiastic presence. She is quite skilled and brings a positive attitude to her work with children and Spanish-speaking clients.
“In addition, she pitches in and helps her colleagues whenever needed. Karla is making a huge difference here.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
