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Leo Merino, LPC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Leo Merino

Leo Merino

(he/him)

LPC
5 years of experience
Virtual

Counseling, therapy, mental health, are all cringe when considering therapy, but I can make your counseling experience easier. I don't mind home visits within reasonable proximity to Maricopa/ Phoenix-Metro, AZ. Soy bilingue. I am a bilingual (Eng/Span), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). My Masters degree is from the Ottawa University. I have 5 years experience as a therapist with youth and adults. I live successfully with ADHD, in 16-years recovery, and as a proud member of the LGBTQ family. I am a father, a brother, a mentor to many youth, and a humble servant to my community.

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

At your initial session, we may start with personal introductions and conversation to establish the ground-floor of our therapeutic relationship. Eventually, we will discuss the expectations of this journey, including informed consent, the presenting issue, then together we will develop a treatment plan that is feasible and effective to address your needs.

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

My career as a therapist initially sparked after meeting with my counselor on my first and only rehab experience as a terrified and shameful alcoholic. He comforted, validated, and accepted me with his genuine, kind, and compassionate demeanor. In my initial session with him, I regained enough confidence to continue my journey to healing. In my practice, I strive to have the same impact in your life that my first therapist had in mine.

About Leo Merino

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

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.