The Story
Martin Noel, MA, LMFT-A
People have always been my passion. They fascinate me...what makes them tick, what makes then happy, how they fit together. People are defined by their culture, their beliefs, their relationships, connections, communications, structure, their family, and themselves. All people have connections. Everyone affects everyone they know. When one person has problems, everyone in the family is affected. Sometimes the relationships themselves need work; but everyone needs to tell their story, to feel heard and validated. Everyone deserves to declare their voice, their identity. And sometimes, we all need a little help with telling others our needs and feelings.
I began working as a psychologist treating multiply handicapped adults at the Commission For the Blind (now called the Commission for the Visually Disabled) and then working with adolescents who had multiple handicaps in the residential setting of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. During that time, I was struck by the fact that no one could be restricted to a single diagnosis. Additionally, every individual could not be stuffed into one or many “diagnoses”. People are much more complex.
In order to keep up with my growing family, I switched careers in the nineties and became a successful software designer. When my two children were grown, I decided to return to my original passion.
In the process of obtaining my license as professional therapist, I developed my core techniques based around humanistic and client-oriented values. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I focus on communication, empathetic listening, and encourage deep experiential sharing. When appropriate, I employ cognitive behavioral techniques in my work with clients. Initially, I work to help my clients recognize and manage their fear, anger, and anxiety surrounding current and past trauma. My overall goal is to enable them to deepen their relationships with their significant others, their families, and, most importantly, themselves.
In my spare time, I enjoy gardening with my wife, Dr. Cheryl Coldwater, reading science fiction, and flying drones.