Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Aurora University and I have been practicing for 4 years. I am a warm, empathetic therapist who helps adults become the best versions of themselves. I work to help people understand who they are and manage their various stressors, anxieties, and emotions. I identify as non-binary and I have been helping members of the LGBTQ community since I began my career as a therapist. Not only do I help members of my community, such as aiding transgender individuals in getting gender affirming care, but I extend my services to everyone. I have aided a wide variety of individuals with various identities, my various use of treatment modalities can help anyone who wants to take me on as their therapist.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, I go over the intake form submitted by you. We will walk through it together and engage in any expansions needed on what you have already written. We will discuss your goals for therapy, as well as confidentiality, no show and late cancel fees, and session times and consistencies you'd like to have. I also like to leave my clients with coping skills that are relevant to them. We will also discuss which of their goals are the most important and prominent to them so we can start working on said goal at the next session.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths are my go with the flow approach to therapy, it helps my clients feel relaxed and able to take the sessions where they feel they need to go. Aside from that, I'm also capable of a more structured therapeutic experience for clients who would prefer it. 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.
About Merek Poto
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is one of the many treatment modalities I use, I've been using it since I started doing therapy four years ago. The skills employed with DBT can be useful for anyone, it's wonderfully versatile and fits in fantastically with the various treatment modalities I use. Through DBT, I teach emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I've been using ACT therapy for clients since I started therapy four years ago. It is incredibly helpful for committing to one's desired changes and discovering one's motivations.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is wonderful for understanding and challenging thought patterns and behavior. It is a modality I've used throughout various treatments with clients. I use it to aid in reducing anxiety and reframing harmful thought patterns.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is wonderful for helping you to understand and process your emotions. It is one of my main focuses in therapy, as focusing on how things make you feel can be helpful in understanding yourself.
Gender-affirming therapy
Gender-affirming therapy is my main treatment modality. As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, the majority of my caseload has been fellow members of the community. 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.