Our Team and The Banyan Tree
Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, PhD, LCSW (she/her)
Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux earned her PhD in Family Studies/Family Science from The University of Maryland, her Masters in Social Work from The University of Michigan, and her undergraduate degree in Education from Bucknell University.
Marta specializes in working with couples and also works with families and individuals. Dr. McClintock-Comeaux uses a strength-based, systems perspective, incorporating evidence based strategies. As a Professor of Social Work, Marta is well versed in foundational and cutting-edge theory and practice in the field.
Marta is trained in Gottman Therapy, levels 1, 2, and 3 and completed trainings in couples theory and skills therapy with Esther Perel’s model, the PREP Approach, and a wide variety of additional models. Dr. McClintock-Comeaux collaborates with couples to increase the interactions and improve the skills that build respect, empathy, connection, and trust and facilitates the process of working through many of the most common challenges for individuals and couples such as work/family “balance”, the rollercoaster ride of parenting, intimacy/disconnection, and conflicts related to time/technology/sex/money/extended family that rear their heads at some point in most committed couple partnerships.
Anxiety, depression, grief/loss, confidence/self-esteem issues, life transitions, illnesses, and sometimes trauma are part of the human experience. Dr. McClintock-Comeaux’s work with clients utilizes research informed strategies to help clients build skills, shift perspectives, gain support, and to navigate these challenges in the healthiest ways possible.
Dr. Pat McClintock-Comeaux, EdD (he/him)
Dr. Pat McClintock-Comeaux earned his EdD in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from The College of William & Mary, his Masters in Public Management (Educational Leadership) from Carnegie Mellon University, and his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Bucknell University. He is currently completing his Masters in Social Work.
Pat has 29 years of experience working in public education, first as a middle school teacher and administrator and then as an elementary school principal for the past 21 years. He has worked in both urban and suburban settings, helping children and parents work toward finding success through building relationships. He has completed certifications in executive functioning skills for children and adolescents and as a professional life coach.
Working together with parents and children, Pat helps instruct and reinforce executive functioning skills by encouraging his clients to understand their strengths and areas for growth and set achievable goals. He uses a coaching model of identifying goals, setting appropriate environmental conditions, delivering necessary instruction, and providing a method of accountability.
Together, Marta and Pat are raising 4 great children, ranging from middle school to college. This gives them great perspective on navigating relationships and the joys and challenges of parenting.
The Significance of the Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree grows in all ways, with roots in the ground, creating a strong foundation, as well
as upward and outward, creating a community of support and strength, forming new trees.
Pat and Marta started their married life in Hawai'i and the banyan tree in Lahaina has always had significance for them. They brought their children to see it as well 23 years later, just weeks before the catastophic fires in Lahaina, Maui. The banyan tree was one of the few elements that survived and is rising from the ashes.
The banyan tree symbolizes the life changing work we will do together:
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· Roots and Stability: Banyan trees' extensive root systems provide immense stability, just as the grounding and stabilizing effect that our practice can have, helping clients find their footing and build a solid foundation in their lives.
· Growth and Support: The banyan tree supports and nurtures growth, not just for itself but also for the ecosystem around it. Similarly, our practice provides support and nurturing for personal growth and development.
· Interconnectedness: Banyan trees have aerial roots that connect and form a complex network, representing both the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and experiences within each person's life, as well as the couples, familial, friend, and community relationships that both enrich and complicate our lives. Our practice helps navigate these intra and inter personal connections.
· Shelter and Protection: Banyan trees provide a large canopy that offers shelter and protection from the elements. Our practice offers a safe space where individuals, couples, and families can feel protected and supported as they explore and address their mental and emotional challenges.
· Longevity and Resilience: Banyan trees are long-lived and resilient, withstanding environmental challenges. This resilience symbolizes the enduring strength and resilience that our practice collaborates to build with you, our clients.
· Cultural Significance: In many cultures, the banyan tree is a symbol of wisdom, longevity, and enlightenment. These qualities align with our practice, which often include gaining wisdom about ourselves and our relationships.