Chris Merritt
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. Whether you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or uncertain about your next steps, therapy can be a place to slow down, gain clarity, and create meaningful change. While I work with a diverse range of clients, I often support people who are managing demanding careers, significant responsibilities, and important personal or professional decisions. Many of my clients are outwardly successful but privately struggling with stress, burnout, perfectionism, relationship patterns, or questions about what they want their lives to look like next.
I take the time to really understand each client’s story, values, and goals, and then work collaboratively to create a path forward that feels both grounded and actionable.
First session
In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you—not just what brings you to therapy, but who you are as a whole person. We’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and any concerns or questions you might have about the process. I’ll ask some background questions to get a better understanding of your history, your current challenges, and what’s most important to you. This initial session is also a chance for you to get a feel for how I work and to decide whether this feels like the right fit for you. You don’t need to prepare anything or have your thoughts perfectly sorted out. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with—we’ll go at your pace.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is helping clients change the way they relate to their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and patterns of behavior. Rather than focusing only on reducing distress or “fixing” what feels difficult, my work centers on helping clients build the tools to respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity, flexibility, and self-compassion. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I take the time to understand each client’s story, values, and goals, and then work collaboratively to create a path forward that feels both grounded and actionable. I’m not here to give advice or tell you how to live your life—I’m here to help you better understand what gets in the way of living the life you want, and to support you in taking meaningful steps toward it.
Ideal clients
I tend to work most often with men between the ages of 30 and 55. Many of my clients are managing demanding careers, important relationships, leadership roles, family responsibilities, or major life transitions, and are looking for a space where they can think clearly, speak honestly, and better understand themselves without judgment. Often, they are used to being the person others rely on, but privately they may feel stressed, disconnected, frustrated, or unsure of what needs to change. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable, and motivated to understand the patterns that may be limiting them. Some come to therapy after years of pushing through and handling things on their own, only to realize that the strategies that once helped them succeed are no longer working as well. Others are beginning to notice that stress, irritability, burnout, or a sense of dissatisfaction is affecting their relationships, work, or overall well-being. Therapy offers a place to step back, reflect, and better understand what is getting in the way of feeling more grounded, connected, and aligned with the life they want to live. I understand that for many men, it can be difficult to open up or even know where to begin. I approach therapy in a straightforward, collaborative way that respects where you are while gently challenging patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship concerns, low mood, career pressure, or questions about purpose and direction, our work together can help you gain clarity, build resilience, and reconnect with your values. You don’t need to have everything figured out to benefit from therapy. If you’re ready to better understand yourself, make intentional changes, and create a life that feels more grounded and fulfilling, I’m here to help.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop mindfulness skills, clarify their core values, and take committed action toward meaningful goals. By guiding clients to change their relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and memories, I support them in building a life that aligns more fully with what truly matters to them.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, I help clients identify unhelpful patterns, develop practical coping skills, and build confidence in making meaningful changes in their daily lives.
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach to help clients recognize and build upon their existing abilities, inner resources, and past successes. By focusing on what’s already working and drawing out each client’s resilience, I support meaningful growth and empower clients to create lasting change from a place of confidence and capability.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
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Licensed in
- FloridaLicense SW23788