Martina Bauer, PhD, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an approved Clinical Supervisor, and Counselor Educator based in Washington State. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She also holds certificates in Emotional Freedom Techniques and Transcultural Counseling. In addition to her role as teaching faculty at Antioch University, Martina currently provides virtual counseling services to adult clients through her independent private practice. As a professional counselor, Martina specializes in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma-related challenges.
Martina’s research explores the interaction between grief and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. As a Counselor Educator, Martina encourages reflexivity and critical thinking by creating opportunities for experiential learning and meaningful application of academic knowledge to prepare students to engage, ethically, skillfully, and compassionately with diverse communities.
- Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Antioch University Seattle, Low-Residency Program, June 30, 2025
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Walden University, Online Program, February 2017
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Seattle University, Seattle, WA, June 2010
As a counselor educator, I believe that learning is an active, student-driven process shaped by curiosity, critical reflection, and the meaningful application of knowledge. My approach is rooted in social constructivism—I view knowledge as co-created through relationship and context—and I aim to create a classroom culture where students feel empowered to contribute their lived experiences and perspectives. Rather than positioning myself as the sole expert, I strive to be a guide and collaborator in a shared learning journey.
Influenced by the work of John Dewey and Garret McAuliffe, I see education not just as personal development, but as a tool for advancing collective well-being and social justice. This is especially important in counselor education, where we prepare practitioners to engage ethically and compassionately with diverse communities. I encourage students to reflect critically on power, identity, and systems as they shape both counseling practice and classroom dynamics.
My teaching is informed by trauma-responsive practices, reflective learning theory, and the science of learning. I create safety and inclusion in the learning environment by integrating empathy, humor, and authenticity. I prioritize equity, transparency, and flexibility, and I believe in meeting students where they are while still holding high expectations for growth and professional accountability. I value ongoing feedback, developmental advising, and creating opportunities for students to develop self-awareness and confidence as future clinicians.
Ultimately, I bring my full self—compassionate, playful, humble, and committed—to the work of teaching. I see my role not just as an instructor, but as a mentor and advocate in service of transformative education and the development of competent, reflective, and socially conscious counselors.
- Bauer, M. (2025). Exploring the lived experience of grief in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University Seattle]. Antioch University Repository. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1166. Also available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
- Bauer, M. (2025). Exploring the lived experience of grief in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University Seattle]. Antioch University Repository. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1166. Also available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
- American Counseling Association