Martha "Marti" Stany, LCSW, CSW - Therapist in Wisconsin

ACT and CBT methods
Attachment focus
LGBTQ affirmative care

About Martha

Martha "Marti" Stany is a licensed clinical social worker with the credentials LCSW and CSW and ten years of experience. She practices in Wisconsin and lists stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and LGBTQ concerns among the areas she works with. Sessions focus on practical steps and clear goals rather than abstract theory.

Marti emphasizes straightforward, collaborative work. She listens to what matters to the person in front of her and helps break big problems into manageable tasks. She uses evidence-informed methods to address things like panic in social settings, trouble speaking up, relationship strain, and difficulties after trauma.

Her approach draws on therapies that help people notice their thoughts, practice different behaviors, and build stronger attachment patterns. That means you can expect exercises that target unhelpful thinking, skills for managing strong emotions, and ways to try new behaviors in real life. She also brings attention to how early relationships shape current patterns and to sexual and kink-related concerns when relevant.

Marti has ten years of clinical experience across multiple states and has worked with many people from LGBTQ communities. She frames therapy as a cooperative process where goals are set together and progress is measured in practical steps. Her work often includes skill practice between sessions to make change more likely.

People who find social situations hard, who struggle with shame around intimacy, or who carry trauma memories may find the focus and structure of her style useful. Before booking, confirm current session options and practical details through the service portal.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then move toward values-based action. It can be useful for social anxiety and for making choices that fit what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new behaviors, which can reduce avoidance and build confidence in social situations. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships influence current patterns and helps people try different ways of connecting with others.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them based on how things go, so sessions stay relevant and practical.

Confirm specific session formats before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so people can schedule around work or caregiving. For social anxiety, online sessions can be a place to practice speaking and exposure exercises at a manageable pace. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to fit life at home and help clients bring new skills into real situations.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety LGBT Trauma and abuse Intimacy-related issues Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

10+ years

Listed in

Texas, Illinois, Colorado, Wisconsin

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy and relationship concerns, LGBTQ topics, and related issues like sleep, eating, and addiction.

What is her style in therapy?

Her style is collaborative and practical. She uses skill-based exercises and conversations to address real-life problems.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has ten years of professional experience as a licensed clinical social worker.

What credentials and region are listed?

She holds LCSW and CSW credentials and is listed as practicing in Wisconsin.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the US work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What do I do to begin?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.