Maura Merritt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist in California and Tennessee. She specializes in working with adolescents girls and young adult women who are wanting to learn ways to cope with anxiety, depression, self harm, relationship issues, identity confusion, life transitions, and childhood trauma. Maura is passionate about serving individuals who desire personal growth and change.
Maura is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). CBT allows techniques to help clients challenge themselves to break out of unhelpful patterns and create meaningful, lasting change. DBT is a skill based therapy model that Maura uses to teach clients skills to help with regulating emotions, tolerating distressing feelings and situations, engaging more effectively with others, and living in the present moment. In session, Maura focuses on helping clients challenge their negative core beliefs and learn new ways to get out of unhelpful thought spirals.
Maura's clients often describe her as empathetic and genuine with the ability to call clients out with compassion. When a client first comes in, Maura uses humor to get to know her clients on a deeper level and to create a comfortable environment where clients feel like they are able to be their authentic selves. Maura creates a judgement free zone, so clients feel at ease to process painful memories and feelings.
Maura received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. She gained experience in high levels of care through working at a residential treatment program, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization programs. Maura has significant experience working with individuals struggling with panic attacks, self harm, identity confusion, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Outside of work, she loves to hang out with her dog, Noodle, and paint with watercolors.
