Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 70 ratings

Merek Poto

LCSW, 5 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Open-minded
Virtual
Next available on

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Indiana. I received my Masters from Aurora University and I have been practicing for 5 years. I am a warm, empathetic therapist who helps adults become the best versions of themselves through Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Combining my lived and professional experience, I specialize in working with LGBTQ adults to address needs specific to our community, especially those of transgender experience. Further, I myself am an individual who has detransitioned and I extend services to those who have as well. I understand what it's like to go through transition and go back, and I want to ensure my clients get thorough care, transitioning or detransitioning. Of course, I work with people who are inside and outside the LGBTQ community, I'm an advocate for you. I also work with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I have a wide range of resources available to all my clients for extra support. My biggest priority in therapy is honesty, as well as giving you a space you feel comfortable in so you can open up at your pace. I want to build a strong, lasting alliance between us so we can help you become the best version of yourself. I know that together, we are going to do great things. A little about me, I have a sphynx cat named Cupid and a black cat named Tofu. Behind me sits my spider, Marrow, who burrows and builds tunnels more than she spins webs. I also enjoy playing DND, I've been drawing since I was in kindergarten, and I play lots of video games, particularly fantasy RPGs.

Get to know me

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

In the first session, we will discuss what you hope to achieve in therapy, as well as what you'd like to know about me. Our first session together will begin with an immediate emphasis on you, your hopes, dreams, goals, and strengths as an individual.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths are my go with the flow, strength based approach to therapy, it helps my clients feel relaxed and able to take the sessions where they feel they need to go. I am a good listener, empathetic, and honest with my clients. Therapy sessions are tailored to you as the client, I will meet your needs based on what you are looking for.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve individuals who are 18 and over. My clients are ready to make changes for themselves, where I can help guide them through their individual needs. I work together with my clients to achieve the best results, as I view our relationship as a partnership where we can work towards your individual goals.

Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 70 ratings

4 ratings with written reviews

July 14, 2025

For a first session I felt very comfortable talking to Merek. After looking back at our session, she seemed genuinely interested in helping me try to figure out what my own goals are.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Merek

April 24, 2025

She both holds me accountable while not demonizing me for my behaviors. She works with me to find solutions for problems I always thought un-solvable, and has done incredible work with me that I think has started to aid in repairing relationships I've previously damaged with those I love. Because of her, I'm learning to actually regulate my emotions and think over my behaviors, and reflect on why I do what I do, and what exactly I can do to change.

Verified client, age 18-24

Review shared after session 19 with Merek

February 21, 2025

Merek has consistently helped me feel more and more like my own person after each session! They're go with the flow approach has been perfect for my needs and I look forward to continuing our session far in the future!

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 5 with Merek

About Merek Poto

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Let's start our sessions with, "what do you hope to gain from coming here?" I want to instill a sense of hope and motivation for change in my clients. Questions that challenge thought processes and invoke thoughts of change are incredibly powerful, hope and positivity are powerful. You will realize how powerful and capable you are. I believe when you come to me you are inherently motivated and are up to the challenge of healing. I will work hard with you to help you, you are not alone. Together, we focus on the present and future to promote personal healing and unique, self-discovered solutions that make sense to you. This is about the respect of yourself, as well as your own, individual humanity.

Gender-affirming therapy

I explore my client's feelings about their gender with them in an open, caring environment that seeks understanding and helping the client to discover who they are.