Leo Merino

LPC, 7 years of experience
Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

Seeking help for mental health can often feel overwhelming, but my goal is to make your counseling experience a comfortable one. I am a bilingual, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Masters degree from Ottawa University and 7 years of experience working with youth and adults. I bring a unique perspective to my practice as I live successfully with ADHD, have 17 years of recovery from substance abuse, and am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ family. Beyond my professional life, I am a father, a brother, a mentor to many youth, and a humble servant to my community. Buscar ayuda para la salud mental puede resultar abrumador, pero mi objetivo es que su experiencia de terapia sea cómoda. Soy consejero profesional licenciado (LPC), con una maestría de la Universidad de Ottawa y 7 años de experiencia trabajando con jóvenes y adultos. Aporto una perspectiva única a mi práctica, ya que convivo con el TDAH, tengo 17 años de recuperación de la adicción a las drogas y soy un orgulloso miembro de la comunidad LGBTQ+. Además de mi vida profesional, soy padre, hermano, mentor de muchos jóvenes y un humilde servidor de mi comunidad.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session establishes a secure therapeutic foundation. We'll begin with introductions to build rapport. Next, we'll discuss the therapy journey, including a comprehensive review of expectations and informed consent, covering confidentiality, its limits, and policies. Then, we'll focus on the presenting issue—the primary concern, exploring its history, impact, and desired outcomes. Finally, we will collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan. En su primera sesión, sentaremos la base de una relación terapéutica sólida comenzando con presentaciones. A continuación, hablaremos sobre el proceso terapéutico, incluyendo una revisión de las expectativas y el consentimiento informado, que abarca la confidencialidad, sus límites y las políticas correspondientes. Luego, nos centraremos en el problema principal, explorando su origen, su impacto y los resultados deseados, para finalmente desarrollar juntos un plan de tratamiento personalizado.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My journey into a career as a therapist began after a life-changing meeting with my substance abuse counselor during my first rehabilitation experience. As a deeply fearful and ashamed alcoholic, I was met with his genuine, kind, and compassionate demeanor, which offered comfort, validation, and acceptance. This initial session was a pivotal moment, restoring enough confidence in me to continue my path to healing. In my practice, I am committed to having the same transformative and positive impact on your life that my first therapist had on mine. Mi carrera como terapeuta comenzó tras un encuentro que cambió mi vida con mi consejero de adicciones durante mi primera experiencia de rehabilitación. Como alcohólico profundamente temeroso y avergonzado, me encontré con su actitud genuina, amable y compasiva, que me brindó consuelo, comprensión y aceptación. Esta primera sesión fue un momento crucial que me devolvió la confianza necesaria para continuar mi camino hacia la recuperación. En mi práctica, me comprometo a tener el mismo impacto transformador y positivo en su vida que mi primer

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I adapt to the client's needs to build a genuine connection and use effective interventions to achieve relief. Prioritizing a working relationship based on trust, assures the client's full engagement in their therapeutic process. Me adapto a las necesidades del cliente para establecer una conexión auténtica y utilizo intervenciones efectivas para lograr el alivio deseado. Priorizar una relación de trabajo basada en la confianza garantiza la plena participación del cliente en su proceso terapéutico.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Eclectic

I have learned that the treatment approach to each of my clients has been tailored to their individualized needs. I believe that psychoeducation about the presenting issue and the methods of treatment can empower and encourage you. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are effective means to create change. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps to overcome adversities, that would otherwise remain stagnant.

Psychoeducation

Knowledge is power, therefore you might feel empowered to create change once you learn the answers to the what, when, where, why, and how that pertain to the present malady.

Trauma Informed Care

Mental health issues that are evident are often times expressed due to an underlying issue associated to a past adverse experience. Appropriate exploration into the your past can provide valuable insight to the presenting issues. An identified adverse experience can be treated, resulting in elimination of the presenting issue.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been my most effective method of decreasing disturbances and barriers stemming from generational trauma, adverse childhood trauma, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, domestic violence, and death/loss, to name a few. I use EMDR to create and reinforce new positive thoughts that can lead to new positive emotions.

, 46 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

June 8, 2025

Leo truly understands his patients needs and his empathetic style really shows he wants others to find what makes them happy. He’s a great listener and even better communicator. Highly recommend if you are struggling with self doubt or lack self esteem.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 5 with Leo

April 26, 2025

Leo really wants to help people and has a great sense towards helping others struggling with trauma find peace and heal. His approach was so simple yet effective. I highly recommend him!

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 4 with Leo

February 24, 2025

It's just my first session but I believe it was super helpful. Cannot wait for my next session.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Leo