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Hello, I'm Merrily!
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Identities: Cisgender, female, heterosexual, Korean born, transracial and transnational adoptee, able bodied, straight sized, Asian American therapist
Licensure
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State of California - LCSW
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State of Minnesota - LICSW
Clinical Supervision
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MN Board of Social Work -Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Certifications
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EMDRIA EMDR Certified Therapist
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Adoption Competent Therapist
My Story
I am thrilled to share my collaborative and culturally responsive approach to working with individuals! My goal is to create a space where everyone feels empowered in their unique experience of healing.
I am passionate about values such as body liberation, inclusivity, working from an anti-oppressive lens, and providing affirming care for LGBTQIA+2S/QTBIPOC individuals. As a social worker, I believe in taking action against systemic oppression and acknowledging its impact on mental, emotional, and physical health.
With 15 years of experience in clinical social work, I have worked in various mental health settings and even teach as an adjunct faculty member in a Masters Social Work (MSW) program at Augsburg University. Outside of work, I love running, exploring new places, spending time with loved ones (including my stubborn, senior blind dog!), reading, Korean BBQ, and binge watching series and having to finish one before I can watch anything else.
Therapy Approach
I am an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist with a therapeutic approach based on understanding relationships, attachment, and how larger systems impact our lives.
In my practice, I use different techniques, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), ego state therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and somatic (body-focused) approaches.
I believe it's important to look at both your inner experiences and the outside forces that shape your life. This means understanding the systems that have helped or hurt you and using an anti-oppressive and anti-racist approach. Together, we will work holistically to support your journey toward healing and wholeness.
Starting therapy can sometimes feel like a sign that something is wrong with us. But I want you to know that you were already more than enough when you began this journey, and you will still be more than enough when you finish. You are enough just as you are. Above all, I am committed to honoring and celebrating the humanity in each person I work with.
Professional Background & Contributions
Education
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University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI - Masters of Social Worker (MSW)
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University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN - Bachelor of Arts (BA) Criminology
Speaking Engagements
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2019 Le Semana Culture Camp - Minnesota -“What makes talking about race and racism so hard? And why it is a required ongoing conversation for every transracial adoptive family? “
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2018 KAAN conference - Minneapolis, MN - “Post-adoption support in the United States”
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2017 IKAA/AKASF Conference in 2017 - San Francisco, CA - “Post-adoption support and healing power of art”
Availability
We offer in-person appointments at our Minneapolis location.
Additionally telehealth services are available for clients in Minnesota and California with specific providers.
Reach Out Today
Ready to make a meaningful change in your life?
Reach out to us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team.
Let's explore how we can work together to achieve your goals and improve your well-being.
Your path to a more fulfilling and balanced life starts here—contact us now!