Mental wellness is not one size fits all.
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"I joined Awareness Ties to engage in dialogue aimed at improving wellness, and to provide psychoeducation relating to mental health awareness. Most primarily, I joined to elevate voices within the field and within our communities in the hopes of reducing the stigma of seeking support, and to dismantle the historical presence of racism and inaccessibility psychology has embodied." 
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"My sister and I are no strangers to mental illness. We’ve experienced it within our direct family unit as well as within ourselves. It’s been an ongoing battle grappling between being bystanders of support to our loved ones, then accepting the help we need when we are the ones who are struggling. We are fortunate that we’ve had each other. Our relationship has always offered us a safe space to express where we are at without fear of judgement. I understand how rare that is. I also understand how certain privileges we were born with make that inherently easier, so now I feel passionate about making it easier for others."
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The doctor is now in.
(And she's online.)
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Submit what you'd like to ask.
If your question is selected, you will be notified, and it will be featured in AwareNow Magazine.
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AVAILABLE NOW
YOUR THERAPIST IS ANXIOUS, TOOIn this interactive workbook crafted by sisters devoted to mental health awareness, readers will be challenged to explore the root system of their own personal anxieties. Using elements of psychological savviness, humor, and creative expression, this art-laden workbook provides both education and hands-on experience to help readers achieve deeper personal insight and sharper anxiety management tools.
“Your therapist may be anxious, too, but if her name is Dr. Jenny Martin, you’re in luck. Her delightful, highly useful book delivers essential information and advice on controlling anxiety with the easy, breezy intimacy of your best friend. The illustrations by her actor-sister Kristen are a feast for the soul.”
Ron Powers, Emmy Award and Pulitzer Prize Winning Author |
Striving for mental wellness
is not a one size fits all experience.
When I opened my private practice, Gemstone Wellness, in 2016, I wanted to be clear in its mission. For too long psychology has been apolitical, exposing its racist, sexist, heteronarmative underpinnings. I wanted to be part of changing this. To explore feelings and behaviors is simply not enough; we must also understand the larger contexts in which we exist. As a white woman, I continually strive to understand the limitations of my position in this work. As part of my engagement with Awareness Ties, I wish to highlight and engage with voices that will help deepen our understanding of the diverse ways mental health is challenged, and the personal and systemic ways it can be restored.
About Jenny
Dr. Jenny Martin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Chicago, IL., who specializes in working with adults who have been touched by depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, purposelessness, and issues related to sexuality and gender expression. Jenny and her private practice, Gemstone Wellness Inc., is committed to issues of social equity, and she holds a strong interest in exploring the parts of self that have experienced marginalization or oppression. She strives to continually evolve in her allyship to people of color, and she believes that exploring the systemic ways that people experience suffering is an essential part of working towards mental health. In addition to her wide array of clinical training, Jenny possesses an extensive background in the arts, specifically in music, and she enjoys incorporating creative mediums to facilitate emotional expression. Jenny received both her Masters Degree and her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Music and Songwriting at Berklee College of Music.
We should be equally supportive of, and impressed by someone going to the gym, as we should by someone visiting their psychologist.
Many people experience some level of push back towards mental health within their families or social circles. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about it. Many people feel like seeking help is a sign of weakness and believe they should be able to figure it out on their own. Many people equate strength with not asking for help. I feel like the only way to combat this negative association is to dive into that uncomfortable place and share our stories. We want to help destigmatized and elevate the importance of putting in the work to maintain a healthy mind; much like our bodies. We hope to create a safe sanctuary of resources and opportunities for people to share their stories. We hope to open up conversations and shed light on how it affects everyone from all backgrounds, races, cultures and sexualities. I am very excited to get started, and I am honored to be an official ambassador for Mental Health Awareness with Awareness Ties.
About Kristen
Kristen Martin is an actress based in NYC. Her work reads as follows...
Broadway:
WICKED (Nessarose), Original cast of SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK (u/s Mary Jane)
Off Broadway:
Minetta Lane Theatre: THE CITY CLUB (Crystal LaBelle), York Theatre: COME FIND ME (Kami), New World Stages & 54 Below: REEFER MADNESS (Mary Lane)
National Tours:
WICKED (Nessarose), A CHORUS LINE (Val), 42ND STREET (Peggy Sawyer), CATS, (Demeter)
Regional:
Cleveland Playhouse & McCarter Theatre: World Premiere of Ken Ludwig's, A COMEDY OF TENORS (Mimi), Goodspeed: 42ND STREET (Peggy Sawyer), LA CAGE (Anne), Pittsburgh CLO: FOOTLOOSE (Ariel), GREASE (Sandy), Maine State Music Theatre: FOOTLOOSE (Ariel), The Baystreet
Theatre: DAMES AT SEA (Ruby)
TV:
PRODIGALS SON (Suzie), DECEPTION
Film:
PSYCHOTIC (Roxy)
"Through acting we are forced to empathized with, as well as deeply evaluate the human condition. Our mental health journey dictates so much of how we react to each and every moment of our lives as it unfolds. I want people to embrace the great care we should consistently be gifting our minds. I want people to feel comfortable expressing their struggles as well as triumphs. I believe the current stigmas still surrounding mental health is not only primitive but dangerous. I’ve struggled with my own mental health, and my goal is to help break down those barriers surrounding what is simply part of the human experience."
Broadway:
WICKED (Nessarose), Original cast of SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK (u/s Mary Jane)
Off Broadway:
Minetta Lane Theatre: THE CITY CLUB (Crystal LaBelle), York Theatre: COME FIND ME (Kami), New World Stages & 54 Below: REEFER MADNESS (Mary Lane)
National Tours:
WICKED (Nessarose), A CHORUS LINE (Val), 42ND STREET (Peggy Sawyer), CATS, (Demeter)
Regional:
Cleveland Playhouse & McCarter Theatre: World Premiere of Ken Ludwig's, A COMEDY OF TENORS (Mimi), Goodspeed: 42ND STREET (Peggy Sawyer), LA CAGE (Anne), Pittsburgh CLO: FOOTLOOSE (Ariel), GREASE (Sandy), Maine State Music Theatre: FOOTLOOSE (Ariel), The Baystreet
Theatre: DAMES AT SEA (Ruby)
TV:
PRODIGALS SON (Suzie), DECEPTION
Film:
PSYCHOTIC (Roxy)
"Through acting we are forced to empathized with, as well as deeply evaluate the human condition. Our mental health journey dictates so much of how we react to each and every moment of our lives as it unfolds. I want people to embrace the great care we should consistently be gifting our minds. I want people to feel comfortable expressing their struggles as well as triumphs. I believe the current stigmas still surrounding mental health is not only primitive but dangerous. I’ve struggled with my own mental health, and my goal is to help break down those barriers surrounding what is simply part of the human experience."
