Martha Hindley-Smith (she/her)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Meet Martha

Hi, I’m Martha, and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

My background is in science where I studied circadian neuroanatomy, but I have always had a passion for helping people.

For 15 years, I have observed the human-animal bond up close which has given me valuable insight into human connection and compassion. After years of contemplation, I decided to embark on a journey to become a psychotherapist so that I could help as many people as possible. I have experience assisting those in crisis and helping people on their journey through grief.

I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University and I’m thrilled to be able to provide support through Feelings First Counselling & Wellness.

My Approach

Here you will be welcomed into a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

I will meet you where you’re at and be my genuine self along with you.

I will provide you with a safe space where you can truly be yourself.

My approach is eclectic in that I will take useful tools from different orientations as needed to best help YOU. I aim to build a strong therapeutic bond using humour, compassion, and empathy as a guide. I will use a holistic, strengths-based approach to look at every aspect of an you to help you find the strengths you may not know you have.

We are all so different – no one us is exactly the same as anyone else, therefore there is not one approach that will best suit everyone. I will collaborate with you to determine the best treatment approach for your needs.

Drawn from attachment theory, emotion-focused therapy tells us that our emotions are a part of who we are as individuals. By focusing on pivotal emotional events in one’s life, I will help my clients to accept, express, and make sense of their emotions.

Emotion-Focused Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy focuses on the individual as the driving force behind therapeutic change. I will engage in conversation to explore your concerns. Through this conversation, I will help you to realize your own strengths.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative or irrational thoughts, replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones. CBT equips people with practical skills to manage their emotions, overcome obstacles, and make positive changes in their lives.

Solution Focused

Solution-focused therapy is a strengths-based and practical form of therapy that focuses on creating solutions to problems and envision steps towards your preferred future. In solution-focused therapy, we focus on solution-building rather than problem-solving.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

- Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring

Perks of Working with Martha

  • I will use my sense of humour to get to know you better and get through those awkward pauses.

  • I will provide you with a nonjudgemental space to be yourself.

  • I will bring my authentic self to every session and that means unlimited compassion no matter who you are.

Outside the Therapy Room

I am a science nerd who loves Lord of the Rings, cats, and playing guitar.

Education & Credentials

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (In Progress)

Masters of Science, York University

Bachelor of Science, York University

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, #18217

Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association, Student Member, #11251007

Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, #7792-5

Trainings

Emotion Focused Therapy: Attachment Science in Practice, Psychwire, 2024

Crisis Responder Certification, Kids Help Phone, 2024

Trauma Informed Care Training, OMSSA, 2024

Living Works ASIST Suicide Prevention Training, Boots on the Ground, 2024

Harm Reduction: A Framework for Change, Choice, and Control, CTRI, 2025

“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them in their cores…We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”

- Neil deGrasse Tyson