Monica Mertens
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Therapist with 40+ years of experience working in a variety of settings. I enjoy getting to know my clients and partnering with them in their journey towards healthy mental health and living. I become your personal coach and advisor as we transition through our work together. You will find that I am empathic and use motivational speech to move you towards healthy living. I also incorporate Native American practices and Christian beliefs into helping my clients reach their goals. I believe that Mind, Body and Spirit must work together inorder for us to be healthy and living our best life.
First session
After our first session you will feel that you have someone on your side who will help you understand that you are not alone and there is hope for you to develop a more joyful and fuller life. You will understand that positive change can occur and what steps are needed in order for that to happen. Together we will develop a plan of action and set a priority to the difficulties we will tackle together. The hardest part is to start talking about the issues and determining where you need to start.. You will find no judgement here and someone who believes you can make your life more joyful.
Strengths
My approach is unique because I incorporate my years of training and experience with a blend of Native American practises of learning and developing a personal communication with your Higher Power. Learning how to recognize all the ways inwhich our higher power communicates with us and shows us the unconditional love that we have can lead us to a more joyful life. I am empathic and can motivate and encourage others to let go of thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve their purpose. Sometimes it takes looking at the bigger picture in order for us to see the small changes that are needed.
Ideal clients
Young adults who are just starting out on their own and are struggling with ideas of what they want to do in life. Or, who are transitioning to new roles from their families of origin to their own family and roles. Individuals who are struggling with grief or are dealing with the loss of an important relationship in their life. Someone who is struggling in their faith and who want to build a stronger relationship with "God". Individuals who are struggling to overcome issues of sexual abuse or physical abuse that is affecting their self-esteem and impacts their current relationships and their enjoyment of life. Clientss who are feeling overwhelmed by various roles they function in and feeling out of balance as a result.
Origin story
I grew up in a dysfunctional family and tried to understand why family members were acting like they did. I saw other families that seemed to care and support each other and didn't understand why I didn't see that in my family. Of course it wasn't until years later that I realized that some families operate under the "behind closed doors" policy. As a child I was the one who wanted to help everyone and was the one everyone felt at ease talking to. My experiences and difficulties I have had to face and overcome, gives me a deep understanding of what my clients may be experiencing and the hard work it takes to overcome life challenges. I also believe it is important for people to not feel alone in their struggles and to know they can make it through whatever challenges they are facing.
Ongoing work together
Each session will build on the previous one and any calls to action that we identified. Together we will assess whether we are on the right tract and we will celebrate even small changes that have been made. You will know you are making progress because you will see changes in your own thinking/behavior and will start to see others responding differently to you. You will start to feel more hopeful about your future and will experiene happiness more often.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
When I work with you we will identify how old patterns of thinking and old ways of reacting can continue to make you feel stuck and unable to change how you feel about your life. By learning to replace habits of negative thinking with positive thoughts and positive motivation we can begin to respond differently in all the environments we are trying to live in and become happier in our relationships with others. You will also find that by changing your internal self talk will allow you to engage in healthier behaviors and others will start to respond differently to the new you.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1751 E Ohio Pike, Amelia, OH 45102, lot 224