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Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (of all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting the use of self-compassion practices, functional communication, and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships.
My approach
In my therapeutic approach, I utilize trauma-informed practices, attachment theory, system theory, psychodynamic, and person-centered. I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR.
My focus
Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community-based resources. I am able to offer parenting support and parent-child psychotherapy. I also have extensive experience working with adults that have depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and trauma.
My communication style
The tone and environment I like to promote and create in my sessions is the practice of emotional safety, warmth, and self-compassion. It may feel like working with a coach/advocate that will promote positive change, self-advocacy, and encourage challenges at a pace that is realistic and supportive.
My journey to mental healthcare
The first experience that led me into the field of clinical social work was when I volunteered at an emergency placement facility for foster children. I realized mental health was much needed to support children and families in safety, relationships, and education. I later became a therapist with an emphasis on social work practices so that I may support children and families in navigating systems, gaining resources, and improving their mental health and relationships. I love this field because I can support individuals in creating the change that impacts our systems on a mezzo and macro level.
My goals for you
I engage in goal setting in a collaborative manner by first offering psychoeducation about the phases of therapy and discussing how goals may be adjusted and assessed throughout treatment. I then utilize the SMART goals outline to ensure goals fall in line with the identified concern and diagnosis. I will set short-term goals to follow up within 3 months and long-term goals to follow up within 6 months.
My first session with you
Clients can expect rapport-building questions, psycho-education about therapy and the type of therapy that will be offered, a review of mandated reporting, confidentiality, and notice of privacy practices. Clients can also expect the setting of goals and scheduling communication to ensure consistency of services.
