ABOUT MERRITT REID,
After spending 15 years as an actor and filmmaker, I smoothly transitioned to the field of counseling. The study of acting is essentially the study of people and empathy, which allows me to create strong therapeutic connections with my clients. After graduating from Monmouth University, I worked in a variety of outpatient settings with teens and adults. I specialize in spirituality and religion, which compliments my work in grief therapy, and adult children of alcoholics. I thoroughly enjoy talking to people and getting to know their stories. In my free time I love to meditate, read, and do anything creative such as photography and playing guitar.
APPROACH TO THERAPY
I work from an existential theoretical base with the goal first and foremost to understand my clients. The structure of my approach is about creating awareness, deepening understanding and education of the client and their situation, and then actively working towards change. Clients and I work together towards their therapeutic goals from an inside-out, holistic perspective. I strive to create a warm, genuine, and authentic atmosphere that promotes empowering clients to achieve the best version of themselves. I believe everyone is unique and that what works for one person may not work for someone else. For this reason, I work with clients to make sure they resonate with the direction of their therapy and techniques utilized, as well as to facilitate autonomy and create prolonged lasting change.
PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
I have been trained in perinatal loss and grief and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders through The Seleni Institute and Postpartum Support International (PSI). I hold my PMH-C certification from PSI. Becoming a parent can be a time of great joy, but also one of hardship and despair for those struggling with issues such as infertility, miscarriage, traumatic birth, postpartum depression and anxiety or any other pregnancy related issues. I am passionate in working with couples and individuals, both mothers and fathers who might be affected by these issues surrounding one of their biggest life transitions in order to facilitate hope and restore balance, their identity and a sense of well-being.
COUPLES THERAPY
I have been studying relationships most of my life through my extensive training as an actor before segueing into counseling for therapy for couples. I have completed Level 2 of the Gottman method which I incorporate into my work. I focus on the areas of managing conflict, building a foundation of trust, and creating friendship, intimacy, connection and passion. I combine the areas of the Gottman method, with neuro- linguistic programming (NLP) communication skills and concepts from books such as Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High in order to create the goals of Win-Win solutions and fostering connection. I’m passionate about couples and relationship work because so much of our time and human nature is interpersonally centered and fosters an aspect of the connection that is inherently needed.
EDUCATION
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Monmouth University
- University Bachelor of Science in Physiology – Rutgers University
LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement.
PUBLICATIONS
Reid, M. (2020). Acting theory applied to counseling: Stanislavski continues to contribute to psychic healing. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 15(2), 223- 234. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2019.1683110
Reid, M. (2020). Ecospirituality In Nature is Nurture: Counseling and the Natural World. New York, NY :Oxford University Press.
