Geraldine Martínez
I am Geraldine Martínez Cedeño, a health psychologist (AO-13552) accredited by the Official College of Psychology of Eastern Andalusia and an expert in Family Therapy and Early Intervention with children. I have specific training in suicide prevention, palliative care, sexuality and the therapeutic application of mindfulness. In my professional career, I have worked with both adults and children and young people, dealing with problems such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bereavement and autism spectrum disorders.
From an early age, I was very curious about human behaviour and had a great motivation to help others. This interest has led me to do a lot of volunteer work, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities, people with malformations in their surgical processes and underprivileged communities. Thanks to these experiences I have been able to connect with people in vulnerable situations, feel the trust they placed in me and the satisfaction of being able to help them.
My first approach to psychology was while volunteering in the Philippines to provide surgical care to children and adolescents with malformations. Initially, it was the physical implications of these malformations that attracted my attention. However, my focus quickly shifted to the emotional burden they presented such as social exclusion, bullying, anxiety, low self-esteem and guilt. I worked hand in hand with psychologists to reduce pre-surgery anxiety levels and offer support to their families. However, I felt powerlessness and frustration for not being able to address the other aspects as well. This was a key moment in my decision to go into psychology.
About me
I studied psychology at the University of Navarra, where in addition to clinical practice, I also provided neuropsychological support to a person with Alzheimer’s disease, thus broadening my understanding of the diversity of needs in clinical practice.
While training in the Master in General Health Psychology at the University of Malaga, I worked in the Psychological Care Service of the University, providing individual and group therapy, as well as psycho-educational workshops. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate in an early intervention centre and to participate in various projects, both in the prevention of anxiety and in the approach to acquired brain damage. These experiences have allowed me to learn the importance of not labeling people within a problem but immersing ourselves in their world and their specific needs.
I have lived in different countries and cities throughout my life, which has allowed me to appreciate cultural diversity and understand different perspectives. This has fostered my open-mindedness and adaptability, qualities that I consider essential in my work as a psychologist. In therapy, this translates into understanding and accepting that each person is unique and, therefore, the importance of working from individuality. For me, it is a collaborative process, in which I try to understand you and to accompany you in the process of reaching your goals, always respecting your needs at each stage of the process.
How do I work at Integria Psicología?
I believe it is essential to create a space of trust and safety, based on empathy and acceptance, so that you feel as comfortable as possible during this process, as I understand how complicated it is to take the step to change and show your most vulnerable side to a person you have just met. I aim to be a safe space where you can discover more about yourself, heal aspects that are important to you and acquire practical tools that allow you to manage difficult situations.
I follow a non-pathological approach, based on the premise that we are human, with understandable responses to our circumstances. The most important thing for me is to accompany you on the path towards your goals. To do this, I find it essential to understand your experiences, how they have affected you, and to understand the mechanisms that may be behind your discomfort.
My ultimate goal is to promote your autonomy so that you can apply the learning and changes achieved to different situations throughout your life, without forgetting the importance of seeking support when necessary.
