Troubled Families and Children

Children and teens can benefit from meeting with an understanding, compassionate, and above all, neutral adult who can help them to feel normal in their problems, to develop other perspectives, and to take responsibility for their actions as a way to have more control over their world.

Merrill uses a combination of play and art therapy for children to express and gain understanding of their feelings. EMDR, when appropriate, helps children and teenagers reduce anxiety, depression, and heal from trauma.

When providing treatment for children and adolescents with academic and behavioral problems due to emotional disorders, AD/HD, developmental disorders, or due to changes in the family such as divorce, remarriage, or new siblings, Merrill encourages the involvement of parents and other family members in collaboration. She encourages family therapy to augment the child's individual sessions.

Merrill teaches parenting education and provides printed handouts to help parents with consistency at home. She has developed parenting programs for parents of teenagers, single parents, and blended families.

During her years working as a therapist for the County of Orange , Children and Youth Services, Merrill found it essential to educate and coach parents of children with AD/HD or lack of academic motivation and parents of children with emotional and behavioral problems. Children respond best to structure and consistency at home, at school, and in therapy. Therefore, she advocates for the child in school, consulting with school staff, if needed. Her emphasis is to develop a treatment plan that is consistent in the clinic, the home, and the school.