ABOUT ME

My name is Arshina Martin. I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW/RSW #829151) currently working full-time with the Canadian Armed Forces out of Garrison Petawawa.

First, I want to thank you for reaching out. I understand, both personally and professionally, how hard it can be to take that first step and ask for help. You might be thinking:

- Things really aren't that bad... Do I need to burden someone else with my problems?

- I'm sure others have it worse than I do and they're coping just fine; what's wrong with me?

- I've been through worse, if I got through that on my own, I can get through this...

- I should be able to handle this on my own; what does it say about me if I need to go to a          stranger for help?

Sound familiar? If so, please know that you're not alone! Asking for support can be scary. We might try and talk ourselves out of it. Your being here today is something to celebrate; it means that you are tired of fighting all by yourself, that you have found the strength to take back control in your life, and that you want to be happier and healthier. Enjoy that for a moment...

I'd like to tell you a bit about myself, after all, I'm asking you to trust me with your fears and vulnerabilities. I think it's only fair that I share some of my own story with you.

I am married to my wonderful husband David and we live together with our two dogs Kiki (our black lab) and Rhonda (our golden retriever). I was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) where I lived with my parents and two older brothers. After graduating from high school, I moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University where I completed a Bachelor's degree (B.A. Hon.) in Criminology and Criminal Justice and then a Master's of Social Work (MSW). After university I relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, then Kingston, Ontario where my husband completed his education. Two years ago, we relocated again, this time to Petawawa, where I took a position as a Clinical Social Worker with the Canadian Armed Forces.

Throughout my career, I've worked with diverse individuals, people who come from various walks of life including, among others: students, criminal offenders, sexual abuse survivors, and military members. As a Trauma Counsellor with the Sexual Assault Centre of Kingston, I provided individual and group counselling to female survivors of sexual abuse. I consistently addressed issues of childhood sexual abuse, gang rape, date rape and abuse against women working in the sex trade. At the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, where I worked as the Manager of Adult and Youth Services, I was expected to successfully balance supervisory/managerial responsibilities while providing client-centered counselling to women involved in the criminal justice system. I provided case management and crisis support while facilitating individual and group counselling sessions in the areas of trauma, relapse prevention, recent and historical sexual abuse, and self-esteem/assertiveness. In my current role as a Clinical Social Worker with the Canadian Armed Forces, I offer individual and couples counselling, conduct psychosocial assessments, provide crisis counselling and facilitate group sessions on coping with chronic pain, to active service members.

My academic, professional and personal experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work with different populations and use multiple therapeutic modalities. I have supported individuals as they overcame challenges around: addictions and relapse prevention; anxiety; coping with loss; depression; relationships; self-esteem; sleeping difficulties; stress; trauma and PTSD; workplace pressure and more.

As valuable as my academic and professional experience is, I believe it is my personal experience with adapting, adjusting and accepting my own disability that truly allows me to build a strong rapport with my clients. I'm not only talking the talk, but I have, and continue to, walk the walk!