Reaching your hand out for help can be extremely difficult, and I want you to know you are welcome and accepted here at Stronger Together Community Services. My goal is to provide you with a warm, supportive space to navigate the challenges that bring you to therapy. Whether you are seeking therapy alone, with your partner, or as a family, I believe that transformation within yourself and your relationships is possible.
If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, confused, or hopeless, my goal is to help you find lasting relief. I have a passion for helping folks struggling with relationship difficulties, loss, anxiety, substance use, stress, trauma, and purpose. My work is rooted in empowering others and the belief that to thrive in life, each of us needs connection, support, belonging, balance, and a sense of meaningful purpose. I utilize Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) with individuals to facilitate healing emotional experiences that lead to positive change and transformation.
My approach involves collaborative partnership to work toward a reduction in uncomfortable symptoms and achieve satisfying progress. I employ flexible and effective therapeutic techniques combined with insightful education to develop emotional comfort, clarity, and connectedness. For couples, I utilize emotionally focused therapy (EFT) to identify the roots of persistent relationship difficulties, develop clarifying insight, and provide the tools to pursue lasting change.
I lead from a stance of non-judgmental acceptance and I welcome folks from all walks of life. I have a supportive, and encouraging presence and take great interest in getting to understand you and the challenges you are facing.
Education
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Creative Writing from Antioch University Santa Barbara, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the California School of Professional Psychology (Alliant International University, San Diego). Additionally, I have completed specialized training in Substance Use & Dependence through the University of California, San Diego.
I am deeply committed to improving the therapeutic care I provide to others and I am dedicated to pursuing life-long development through education, training, and consultation. I engage in regular training and consultation in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). I am also completing training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Credentials
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #152855) in the state of California and I see clients both online and in-person.
Women’s Empowerment
I am incredibly proud to be the Director of Women’s Empowerment at STCS. Our Clinical Director and Founder Dr. Allison Brownlee and our team of outstanding clinicians provide weekend workshops focused on increasing self-confidence, highlighting the roots of emotional challenges, learning coping skills, engaging in therapeutic body movement / outdoor activities, and building community with others who have similar stories. Each Women’s Empowerment event is a labor of love for women+ folks in our community and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring a safe and positive experience full of growth, belonging, healing, and connectedness.
Say Hello!
Please reach out to me by email, merylee@strongertogethersd.org, or contact our Intake team to schedule a free consultation. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about therapy with me. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
