Our Team
Areas of Specialty Include: Trauma-related concerns, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Somatic Issues, Family concerns, Foster care & Adoption concerns, as well as other mental health concerns.
Specialties:
- ADHD
- Adjustment Disorders
- Adoption
- Anxiety Disorders
- Behavior Issues
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Christian Counseling
- Foster Care
- Mood Disorders
- Parenting Education
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship and Boundary Issues
- Sexual Abuse Victims
- School Issues
- Specialized in an intensive trauma treatment known as Instinctual Trauma Response (ITR)
- Trauma
- EMDR Intensives
- EMDRIA Trained
I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership between myself and the other person(s) as we work together towards goals. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to walk alongside people in some of their darkest moments, because I believe that connection is a powerful thing, and can greatly impact the course of our lives if we are able to have at least one meaningful relationship where we feel seen, heard, known, and accepted. I enjoy making connections with others and partnering with them as we take steps forward because I believe others are worthy of being heard and their struggles are significant. I have deep compassion for people who have experienced trauma and other related challenges, and a passion for helping each person realize the strength and resilience they possess, which helped them survive their past, and will continue to help them learn to thrive in their lives.
I have experience providing counseling within a Christian faith setting and can integrate faith into the therapeutic process upon a client’s request to meet their individual needs.
I have experience providing counseling within a Christian faith setting and can integrate faith into the therapeutic process upon a client’s request to meet their individual needs.
I look forward to walking alongside you as you take the brave next step forward on your journey.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Malone University in 2010, and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Akron in 2014.
Throughout my professional journey, I have provided direct care as a social worker and mental health clinician in home, community, and office settings to children ages 4 and up, adolescents, and adults.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Malone University in 2010, and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Akron in 2014.
Throughout my professional journey, I have provided direct care as a social worker and mental health clinician in home, community, and office settings to children ages 4 and up, adolescents, and adults.
I have partnered with clients to address a broad range of diverse challenges, including mental health, severe trauma experiences, family dynamics, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, substance abuse, foster care and adoption, and childhood physical & sexual abuse and neglect. I particularly enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who are seeking support related to experiences with adoption, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, foster care, stress management, PTSD, and trauma experiences. I enjoy helping clients through a client-centered, strengths-based approach, using methods grounded in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have experience providing a specialized intensive trauma treatment known as the Instinctual Trauma Response(ITR) model. In this brief, intensive therapy, a directive form of play or art therapy is utilized to assist in organizing and re-coding trauma memories to be shared by both sides of the brain and provide the opportunity for relief and increase a person’s capacity to connect with themselves and others in a compassionate manner. As a therapist, I focus on using methods that help each individual make the progress they need to move forward with their unique challenges.
Specialties:
- ADHD
- Adjustment Disorders
- Adoption
- Anxiety Disorders
- Behavior Issues
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Christian Counseling
- Foster Care
- LGBTQIA+ issues
- Mood Disorders
- Parenting Education
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship and Boundary Issues
- Sexual Abuse Victims
- School Issues
- Trauma
- EMDR Intensives
- EMDRIA Trained
Merisa’s clients can rest assured they will feel seen, heard, and cared for in her presence. She believes it is important to collaborate with each individual to discover the best course of treatment, and she understands how difficult it can be to sit on the other side of the couch. She admires her clients for their courage and vulnerability, and also believes that laughing can do a great deal of healing for hearts. Above all else, she believes her clients are worthy of giving themselves a chance to live a healthier life, and she is humbled to walk alongside them during this invaluable journey.
Merisa lives with her fur babies, Finley (a Miniature Australian Shepherd), and Hagrid (the cat). In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, playing board games with friends, and fishing. Being from California, she is a big-time Las Vegas Raiders fan, but (unfortunately) she relates to the same pain as a Browns fan.
Merisa is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) who earned her MSSA from Case Western Reserve University and her BA from Malone University. She counsels individuals of all ages, families, and groups. Her focus areas of treatment are for those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life adjustments, and children with behavioral issues. Merisa has a special interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups. Her compassion for minority groups comes from her own Mexican heritage, as she understands the unique circumstances this can create for each person. As an LSW, she goes beyond traditional therapy to promote advocacy when needed.
Merisa has been EMDR trained by the Institute of Creative Mindfulness and uses this interactive approach to help relieve symptoms of psychological stress, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.