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. 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. 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. Whoever you are, I'm here to help inside and outside the LGBTQ community. Our sessions together will leave no stone unturned. I believe in taking methodical steps towards progress to ensure you feel secure and ready to advance in whatever next action is right for you. That being said, you’re totally in charge. If you need to pause or take a few steps back in your journey, I’ll be right by your side to help you navigate the intense thoughts and emotions that may be surfacing. Together, I will help you embrace your most authentic self. In my free time, I take care of my cats, Cupid and Tofu, and a tarantula named Marrow. I also enjoy playing DND and video games.
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.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are 18 and over. My specialty is with the LGBTQ community, who I have been serving for four years. 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.
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. 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.