Merry McKinnon is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California with 33 years of professional experience. She draws on a long career helping adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, and the daily challenges of ADHD. Merry describes her work as relational and focused on uncovering each person's strengths.
Her practice often serves people with neurodiverse profiles, including high-functioning Autism Spectrum conditions and learning differences such as Non-verbal Learning Disorder and auditory processing differences. She pays attention to how those conditions can show up as isolation, social anxiety, or trouble in school and work. Clients often come with motivation blocks, anger about past setbacks, or challenges in self-image.
Merry uses a behavioral-cognitive perspective to guide sessions. She centers the therapeutic relationship first, then uses practical strategies to address thinking patterns and everyday behaviors that get in the way. Sessions include time to map current habits and try manageable changes that build confidence and momentum.
She aims to help people notice strengths they may have overlooked and to test new ways of coping that fit their life. Merry says it is never too late to discover abilities and move past habits that limit opportunity.
Her approach is grounded in real-world problem solving and steady support. Working together, she helps people reframe setbacks, build skills for daily tasks, and develop clearer self-concepts.
Approaches that focus on strengths and practical change
Merry often uses a behavioral-cognitive perspective that looks at how thoughts and actions influence mood and daily functioning. This approach helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns, test new behaviors, and build routines that reduce anxiety and improve concentration.
She also brings a relational focus to the work, prioritizing a respectful, steady therapeutic relationship. That relationship creates space to explore self-image, shame, and motivations while trying out small, concrete steps toward change.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Merry will work with each person to identify the strategies that fit their goals, needs, and day-to-day realities. Together they plan what to try, check how it feels, and adjust as needed so interventions remain useful and realistic.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and support consistent check-ins during workday breaks. It also lets people choose quieter surroundings or avoid being on camera when that helps them engage. These practical benefits can make steady progress more feasible while keeping the focus on finding approaches that work for each individual.
Merry works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem. She also helps people with ADHD and related learning differences navigate daily life.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She emphasizes a relational approach combined with a behavioral-cognitive lens. That means building trust first, then using practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking and behavior.
What is her background and experience?
Merry has 33 years of professional work experience supporting people through mood, motivation, and neurodiversity-related struggles. Her long practice informs a steady, pragmatic style.
What credentials and location apply to this therapist?
She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, listed as LMFT, and practices in California.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced and billed?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with Merry?
Choose the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
