New to Grow
Do you ever feel like life is just getting too lifey for you to navigate through on your own? Well, hi! I'm Meri and I’m passionate about helping people build lives that feel more manageable, meaningful, and hopeful. If you’re looking for a safe, supportive space to navigate life’s challenges and strengthen your ability to move forward, I’d be honored to help and walk through it all with you; you matter and are not alone. I hope that together, we can make sure things start to add up and that the math keeps on mathin' as you bein to go out and conquer the world.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session will be spent getting to know one another more than anything else. While I may be asking more questions of you during the first part of our meeting, you are very much welcome and encouraged to ask things of me, too. I understand completely that rapport is built and established through trust. I will self-disclose some things about myself within therapeutic boundaries with the agreement and understanding that our relationship is professional only. I will not communicate with you outside of or off of Grow's platform, nor will I accept Facebook and other social media requests.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach to therapy is collaborative & flexible. I draw from CBT, DBT, REBT, and person-centered therapy to provide clients with practical strategies while also creating space for reflection and growth. I recognize and respect as well that you and only you are the expert on your life and that my role is simply to allow a safe space for self-exploration.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I primarily work with teens (15+) and adults, but am open to seeing younger adolescents and couples as well. I specialize in treating substance use disorders (with or without comorbidity), anxiety/panic, depression/change of life challenges, and trauma (primarily that which stems from growing up in an abusive or addicted household, past or current intimate partner violence, or any form of sexual assault).
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Our thoughts influence our feelings which then influence our behaviors. Often times, we get stuck in repetitive thoughts patterns that are negative, unkind, or unhelpful to a specific situation or just life in general. The CBT tool that I utilize the most is reframing and learning to challenge those thoughts and/or feelings that are causing distress. The best question to ask in those moments is, "where is the evidence to support this thought that I'm having and what can I do to think about this differently?"
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My role as your therapist is to walk through things with you, not be directive or pose leading questions. You are the expert on yourself and lived experiences. You get to control the pace and conversations that we have and what we can discuss.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
I use the ABCs of REBT with clients who may need to dive a little deeper with reframing and work through a specific incident or problem more.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT has some great tips and tools that can be helpful to all clients, not just a specific diagnosis. Understanding and nurturing the place where your rational and emotional minds meet can offer lifelong benefits.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is a great tool that I often use with my SUD clients who are unsure about making a lasting change.