About Martin
Martin LaPlaca is a licensed clinical social worker who brings seven years of practice to his work in California. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, addiction, and recovery from trauma and abuse. He aims to make the first step easier for anyone nervous about starting therapy.
He keeps sessions straightforward and practical. He creates an open space where people can name what they are feeling and think through next steps.
Background and approach
He avoids judgment and encourages honest conversation so problems can be tackled one at a time. Over seven years he has worked with a range of common struggles, from daily stress and anxiety to longer-term patterns tied to addiction and trauma. That experience informs how he frames goals and suggests coping strategies that fit each person’s life.
Martin prefers an approach that centers on collaboration. He listens first, then helps people set small, realistic goals to improve mood, reduce worry, or change harmful habits. He checks in on progress and adjusts plans as needed.
Practical tools, clear talk, and steady support are central to his style. If someone wants straightforward help to feel less overwhelmed, manage cravings, or rebuild after difficult experiences, he offers a calm, consistent presence to work through those challenges.
How therapeutic approaches work online
Two common evidence-based techniques he uses are goal-focused problem solving and skills-based coping work. Goal-focused problem solving breaks larger problems into smaller steps and helps people test what works in daily life. Skills-based coping work teaches concrete strategies for managing anxiety, cravings, or low mood so people have tools they can use between sessions.A second approach emphasizes talking through past difficult events in a paced, supportive way so memories and triggers become easier to manage. This method is aimed at reducing the hold of traumatic memories and improving everyday functioning rather than erasing memories.
Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk about what feels most relevant, try methods that fit the person’s goals, and adjust the plan as progress is made. That collaborative process helps find what works best for each situation.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to get help. Video calls let conversations feel close to in-person sessions. Phone sessions can be shorter or easier when bandwidth or camera use is an issue. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for quick check-ins, tracking progress, and keeping work going between live sessions. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into busy days.
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he help with?
What is his therapeutic style like?
How much experience does he have?
What are his credentials and where is he based?
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Can people outside the United States work with him?
What session formats are available?
How are costs and scheduling handled?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
Also works with
- Experience
- 7 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English