ABOUT

You are the expert on your own life.

One of the greatest regrets that many people have is that they never became the person they wanted to be. Often, it’s not because they didn’t care—but because something kept getting in the way.

I’m passionate about helping people uncover their true potential and move beyond the barriers that are holding them back, whether those barriers involve addiction, trauma, betrayal, or patterns that feel out of control.

What it’s like to work with me…

Two realities to consider.

On the one hand, you know yourself better than anyone else. You are the expert on your own life. You know what goes on inside your head and heart. You know the mistakes you’ve made and the lessons you’ve learned. And often, you have a strong internal sense of when something is off—when you’re moving away from your needs, values, or goals.

On the other hand, when addiction or other out-of-control behaviors are present, your thinking may be shaped by patterns that protect you in the short term but keep you stuck in the long term. Minimizing, justifying, or compartmentalizing can make it very hard to see the next right step on your own.

That’s where I come in.

My role is not to take control of your life or tell you what to do. You are the one who has to live with your decisions. Instead, I bring clinical expertise, experience, and perspective—asking hard questions when needed, offering guidance and structure, and helping you slow things down enough to make thoughtful, grounded choices. Ultimately, you remain in control of the process.

I strive to be fully present in our sessions and comfortable with difficult emotions. When people feel genuinely cared for and not judged, they are better able to lower their defenses and talk about the painful, confusing, or frightening issues that need attention. My approach is trauma-informed, honest, and compassionate—supportive without being enabling, and direct without being shaming.

About Me

I’m Dr. Tim Martin, and I specialize in the treatment of sex and porn addiction, love addiction, infidelity recovery and betrayal trauma, and complex trauma/PTSD (including EMDR). I also work with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as gaming and internet addiction.

My work is not endless talk that goes nowhere. I use multiple evidence-based treatments, combined with genuine care and compassion, to help clients feel better and make meaningful progress sooner. When appropriate, I offer structured tools, handouts, or between-session practices to support change outside the therapy hour.

I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), and Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT). Most therapists are not trained across all of these areas, and this integrated background allows me to work effectively with both individuals struggling with addiction and partners healing from betrayal trauma.

I understand how difficult it can be to talk about sex addiction, infidelity, and related issues. I take a sex-positive and LGBTQ+-affirming approach and provide a confidential, non-judgmental space. I work with both religious and non-religious clients and respect each person’s values, beliefs, and lived experience. My goal is not just symptom relief, but lasting change rooted in deeper understanding and healing.

My professional experience, combined with my own personal growth and commitment to doing my own work, forms the foundation of how I show up with clients. I believe change is possible—even when things feel overwhelming or hopeless—and I would be honored to help you take the next step.

Contact me today for an appointment, and I’ll get back with you as soon as possible. There is hope! Together, we’ll figure things out.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences (dissertation in Addiction Studies) – Faulkner University
Master of Social Work (MSW) – University of North Carolina Wilmington
Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Gettysburg Seminary (now United Seminary)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Lenoir-Rhyne College (now Lenoir-Rhyne University)
Certificate in Nonprofit Management – Duke University

Certifications and Trainings

Board Certified Sexologist (#23859) – The American Board of Sexology
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) – IITAP
Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) – IITAP
Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) – IITAP
EMDR Trained Therapist – EMDR Institute
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Treatment of Addictions – IFS Institute
Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) – Internal Family Systems training – IFS Institute
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship – Carolina Center for EFT
Narcissistic Abuse and Betrayal Trauma Recovery – Ramani Durvasula, PhD
Attachment-Focused Recovery for Couples – Michelle Mays, LPC, CSAT-S
Sex Offender Treatment Provider (SOTP) training – ITTI
Prepare & Enrich Marital & Premarital Inventory – Certified Facilitator
Therapist Training for Helping Partners Heal – Carol J. Sheets

Advanced Sex Addiction & Partner Trauma Therapy Training Under

Patrick Carnes, PhD – Founder of IITAP
Carol Juergensen Sheets, LCSW, CCPS-S, CSAT, PCC – Strategic Coaching and Therapies
Ramani Durvasula, PhD – Clinical psychologist, professor of psychology, and author
Michelle Mays, LPC, CSAT-S – Founder of the Relational Recovery Institute
Stefanie Carnes, PhD, CSAT-S – President of IITAP
Robert Weiss, PhD, MSW, CSAT – Seeking Integrity
Kenneth Adams, PhD, CSAT – Clinical director and founder of Kenneth M. Adams and Associates
Kevin Skinner, PhD, CSAT – Co-founder and clinical director of Addo Recovery
Mari A. Lee, MA, LMFT, CSAT-S, CPTT-S – Licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker
Alexandra Katehakis, PhD, MFT, CSAT-S, CST-S – Clinical director of the Center for Healthy Sex
Frank Anderson, MD, – Author, psychiatrist, therapist, speaker and trauma specialist
Toni Herbine-Blank, MSN, CS-P – Clinical specialist, psychotherapist and senior trainer for the Center for Self Leadership
Debra L. Kaplan, MA, MBA, LPC, CSAT-S – Licensed therapist, author, and speaker
Sheri Keffer, PhD, MFT, MAT, CCPS – Licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker
Piper Grant, PsyD, CSAT – Founder of Numi Wellness

Licensure

North Carolina – Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, C013268)
South Carolina – Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW, 17025)
Florida – Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Telehealth, TP703)

Active Memberships

International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
The American Board of Sexology
NC Community of Psychotherapists