Martha J. Barry, Ph.D.

About Me

My intention as a psychologist is to serve as a compassionate witness, and provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their whole selves - body, heart, mind and spirit. 

I aim to create a warm and interactive therapy relationship where you will feel heard, understood, and accepted so that you are comfortable enough to explore whatever pain or experience is troubling you. While I teach a variety of practical skills and techniques to help improve daily life, I also help you investigate the root causes of your suffering and unhappiness so that healing and transformation can take place. 

Together we create the positive conditions for you to meet your personal goals and, in the therapy process, you may notice changes like increased mental and emotional flexibility, improved communication, better relationships, and new self-care practices.

More About My Practice

I have over twenty years of experience working with adult women and men (age 18-80) in life transitions, and who may have anxiety, depression, relationship stress, issues of self-esteem, stress-related illnesses, acute and/or chronic health conditions. I specialize in women's mind-body health and reproductive concerns, including treatment for prenatal and postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) for new and expecting parents.

I draw on a wide variety of treatment modalities such as compassion-based and mindfulness-based CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), interpersonal psychotherapy, and body-centered awareness. Some of the mind-body practices that I bring to my work include meditation, mindfulness, journaling, writing practices, yoga and relaxation techniques. 

My Specialties

As a Counseling Psychologist, I have been trained in a developmental, life-span approach. I began with a specialty in student mental health, worked in several college counseling centers, and taught undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. I continue to support students with academic stress and career development before, during, and after graduation. As a social-justice minded psychotherapist, I also provide an inclusive and multicultural approach to counseling for diverse populations of students and individual clients who experience complex situations with social, cultural, and political significance. 

As a Health Psychologist, I was drawn to a holistic, mind-body approach to health and wellness in my early training. I learned a blend of Western and Eastern approaches to healing, and continue to use a variety of principles from meditation, yoga and mindfulness in my work with individuals and groups. I also teach Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Depression and Anxiety.

Throughout my career, I have had a long and abiding interest in women’s health, wellness and reproduction. This includes a specialty in Perinatal Mental Health and the prevention and treatment of prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression for new and pregnant mothers, their partners, and their families. 

Education and Career Background

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University

• Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship, University of Maine Counseling Center, Orono, Maine

• Pre-Doctoral Health Psychology Practicum at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan

• M.A. in Counseling from Michigan State University

• B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University

• Psychologist, Private Practice, Portland and Brunswick, Maine 

• Health and Wellness Counseling/Coaching, Coastal Wellness Family Chiropractic, Cape Elizabeth, Maine 

• Associate Director and Staff Psychologist, Counseling Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine 

• Adjunct Professor, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine

• Director of Counseling, Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, Virginia