Joyce Martella

Dr. Joyce Martella, PhD, is a trauma specialist, educator, and internationally recognized speaker with over 18 years of experience supporting individuals who were born or raised in destructive cults and high-demand groups. Drawing from both her personal journey and academic research, she has dedicated her career to helping survivors of complex trauma reclaim their identity and build meaningful lives. Dr. Martella holds a PhD in Depth Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, a Bachelor's in Behavioral Psychology with a minor in Addictions, and an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Psychology with an emphasis in Social Work.

Her path into the field was shaped by her own upbringing in a pseudo-Christian cult led by her mother. After leaving the group at age 24 with her husband and children, she began a transformative journey of healing and education. Her academic work, including a master's thesis titled Twice Burned, explored the lasting developmental and psychological impacts of growing up in such environments. Her doctoral dissertation continued this focus, breaking new ground in therapeutic approaches for cult survivors.

Over the years, Dr. Martella has led international workshops and retreats focused on trauma recovery, identity reconstruction, and empowerment for second-generation cult survivors. She is also a sought-after trainer for therapists, offering guidance on how to work effectively with clients who have experienced coercive control and developmental trauma. Her contributions have been recognized with the Margaret Thaler Singer Award for advancing understanding in this critical area of mental health.

• Pacifica Graduate Institute - Ph.D.
• Pacifica Graduate Institute - MA