I am honored to have assisted hundreds of individuals over the years in discovering self-love, self-acceptance, and learning to walk in alignment with their true values. My experience spans a diverse spectrum of mental health populations, including individuals dealing with substance use, involuntary clients, facing challenges regulating their moods/emotions, and those with serious mental health disorders. I am passionate about serving those who have been silenced, and I find purpose in helping them reclaim their voices.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I will listen carefully to understand their needs and begin identifying areas where they feel silenced, stuck, or disconnected from their true self. We may discuss any immediate concerns or crises, but the focus will be on creating a safe environment where they feel empowered to express themselves openly. Clients can expect me to ask questions that invite reflection, while also providing some structure to help us both understand the best way forward. Together, we will start outlining goals, aligning them with their values, and begin developing a plan to move toward self-love, acceptance, and a deeper connection with their authentic selves. Ultimately, my goal for the first session is for clients to leave feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the journey ahead.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and valued. My deep commitment to serving those who have been silenced or marginalized is at the core of my work, and I bring a strong sense of empathy and understanding to every session. I excel at helping clients explore difficult emotions and experiences, guiding them in discovering self-love and acceptance. My experience with individuals dealing with substance use, navigating the mental health system involuntarily, and managing serious disorders allows me to approach each situation with a blend of compassion, clinical insight, and practical strategies. Another key strength is my ability to help clients align with their true values, enabling them to reclaim their voices and make empowered decisions. I’m deeply passionate about fostering an environment where clients can explore and redefine their lives on their terms. In short, my greatest strengths are my capacity for empathy, my experience with complex mental health challenges, and my commitment to empowering clients to reconnect with their authentic selves.
About Tamoya Merritt
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a psychotherapist, I have extensive experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which I find particularly effective across diverse populations. This approach enables me to assist clients in addressing specific problems by helping them become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs surrounding these issues, rather than delving into their causes.
Compassion Focused
As a psychotherapist, I prioritize a compassion-focused approach in my practice. This is particularly effective for clients experiencing high levels of shame and self-criticism, who often struggle to feel warmth and kindness toward themselves and others. This approach helps clients cultivate a sense of safeness and warmth in their interactions, fostering greater self-acceptance and compassion.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have experience utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in my practice, which I find particularly effective for clients struggling with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties. DBT skills empower clients to manage their emotions, reduce intensity, and avoid harmful behaviors. By helping clients master mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, I support them in navigating challenges more effectively.
Motivational Interviewing
I employ Motivational interviewing with clients who are problem drinkers, substance misusers, and people who demonstrate resistance to changing problematic behaviors. Motivational interviewing helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence about changing their behavior. It's based on the idea that motivation must come from the person making the change.
Supportive
I use a supportive approach in therapy, which is beneficial as it helps clients feel safe and comfortable. This environment fosters better communication and strengthens the therapeutic alliance.