About Eileen Martin, MSW, LCSW

she/her/hers

Hello, and welcome.

I’m Eileen Martin, owner and therapist at the Center for Counseling and Healing. I happily walk this earth as an empath, often refueling by wandering in the woods with my camera — drawn to the way light uncovers hidden beauty. I’m a mom to three wonderful children, and five little ones call me “Granny.” I share my life with Cooper, my stubborn, food-motivated, and deeply sweet Shih Tzu who reminds me daily to play.

My Path to This Work

Before opening my practice, I spent years supporting people in crisis:

• as a crisis counselor and advocate for college students experiencing interpersonal violence,

• at a police department, walking alongside families facing unimaginable moments,

• and at a domestic violence agency, where I saw the limits of a system offering only short-term help for a long-term wound.

I loved working with survivors, but I felt the deep gap in care — the need for ongoing, safe, trauma-informed support so survivors can truly heal and rebuild. Later, working as a grief counselor, I learned that loss takes many forms. The grief of losing one’s sense of self in an abusive relationship is profound and often overlooked. These experiences shaped my vision: to create a space where people can heal from relational trauma, reclaim identity, and build a life rooted in self-worth.

Training & Education

• MSW (Master of Social Work) — University of New England

• BA in Psychology — Guilford College

• Certified Family Trauma Professional

• Training in Traumatic Loss and Positive Psychology

I also bring years of personal and professional advocacy around domestic violence and relational trauma — experience that informs my understanding of how healing unfolds over time.

My Approach

At the Center for Counseling and Healing, I provide a safe, judgment-free space for adults — especially women — to process trauma, grief, life transitions, and identity shifts. My work is trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and affirming of LGBTQ+ clients and those seeking justice and equity (BLM-affirming).

I believe in helping people:

• reclaim trust in themselves,

• hold compassionate boundaries,

• navigate grief and loss,

• and re-author their story with meaning and freedom.

I know how heavy life can feel when you’ve lost yourself to someone else’s control or to relentless caregiving and self-doubt. My work is to walk beside you as you remember who you are.

A Little More About Me

I grew up in Central New York, moved often, and eventually made North Carolina home in 1997. Beyond therapy, you’ll find me behind my camera, exploring nature, traveling, and treasuring time with my family and grandchildren.

If You’re Considering Therapy

Reaching out for help is brave — and it’s a powerful first step toward healing. I’d love to answer any questions you have about working together or how therapy might help. You can contact me at 336-901-2999 or by email:

I was honored to be asked to provide information on healing and posttraumatic growth from domestic violence for this SELF magazine article. The article share survivors’ stories of reclaiming joy after abuse. It is a great read and reminder that healing is indeed possible! https://www.self.com/story/domestic-violence-survivor-joy