Suzanne Merz-Reno, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Suzanne Merz-Reno

Suzanne Merz-Reno

(she/her)

LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual

My name is Suzanne Merz-Reno and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Oakland, CA. I completed my BA in Psychology at San Diego State and Masters in Social Work at Cal State East Bay. I offer telehealth services throughout the state of California. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults and specifically enjoy serving LGBTQIA+ and those with chronic pain.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session with me, we will focus on getting to know each other and clarifying treatment plan goals. By the end of the first session, I am hoping that you have a sense of the concrete approaches we will work on together for your healing as well as a dedicated, safe space to further develop a deeper relationship with each other and with your sense of self.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental space and utilize curiosity to better understand my client’s challenges and goals. I sincerely believe that the client is the expert in their own life and will direct my clients to their internal wisdom. When appropriate, I use humor and self-disclosure to further connect with my clients.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

I have been using Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy in my practice for over 3 years and use the modality to process traumatic events and improve self regulation.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

I utilize parts language to better understand symptoms from the client and support client with developing connection to internal wisdom. I support client in developing understanding innate coping and increasing self compassion.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I have been teaching DBT skills to clients to support mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication.

Suzanne Merz-Reno, LCSW