Merek Poto
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Indiana, with a license in Illinois. 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. I work to help people understand who they are and manage their various stressors, anxieties, and emotions. I use a strengths-based, solution-focused framework, I help clients recognize their resilience, build on what’s already working in their lives, and create achievable steps toward the future they want. I work with people from all walks of life and specialize in supporting those who are detransitioning or questioning a previous transgender identification. As someone who has destransitioned myself, I'm an advocate for you. I also work with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and so much more.
I work with people from all walks of life and specialize in supporting those who are detransitioning or questioning a previous transgender identification.
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.
First session
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.
Strengths
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.
Ideal clients
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.
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.
Location
Virtual sessions