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My name is Merna Eissa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients via telehealth. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Concordia University, Irvine. I continued my education at Pepperdine University, earning my Master of Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I worked with children, families, and individuals of many ages. I use interventions and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.
My approach
I focus on the client's unique needs and goals with each session. I most frequently use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as both modalities help me, and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allow us to work together to chart a path forward towards the client's goals.
My focus
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with challenges regarding life transitions, parenting stress, relationship issues, lack of coping skills, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
My communication style
I am an active listener, empathetic, compassionate, and a good observer. I work with clients to create an environment free from judgment that helps clients grow and gain the coping skills they need to become stronger in the face of life’s hardest challenges.
My goals for you
My goal for you is ultimately to reach your goals and gain the tools and skills you need in your life. My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working together to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This often starts by building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we'll work together to set goals and track your progress.
My first session with you
First sessions are difficult and nerve-wracking because it is something new, please know it is normal, I am a new person that you are meeting for the first time. In the first session, time is spent learning about what brought you in and you find out if I am the right therapist for you. Therapy is about the therapeutic relationship, and it can take time to build trust and connection. Most of the time you will get a sense if this is a right fit or not by the first/second session. In the first session, we will collaboratively work on your goal and create a treatment plan.
